Unauthorized or Illegal Water Use / Water Theft and Meter Tampering

Unauthorized or Illegal Water Use, Water Theft and Meter Tampering Policy

Water theft can cause huge damages and revenue losses to a water system such as increased costs associated with producing that water and when the utility doesn’t recoup the cost for stolen water that cost must be spread out across to those customers who are paying, increasing their bills.

Unauthorized water use is a violation of West Vernon Parish Waterworks District (WVPWD) policies, rules, and regulations and anyone who is found to have made an unauthorized tap, connection or use of any unauthorized water shall be fined and charged an unauthorized usage fee, in addition, such individuals shall also be subject to civil or criminal charges and penalties at the discretion of the WVPWD. 

When an illegal connection to the WVPWD’s water system is found, any devices associated with such connection shall be confiscated. Any equipment which has been confiscated may be claimed in person at the WVPWD office, or by calling (337) 238-2656. The WVPWD shall back bill the customer for the unauthorized water usage to recover all charges for such services for the entire period during which these circumstances prevailed and any evidence of such will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for the violator to be prosecuted.  Meters are the property of the WVPWD and will be turned on and off only as authorized by the WVPWD.

Failure to meter water usage from a hydrant shall result in fine(s). Failure to show the customer’s copy of the authorization and prepayment of water shall result in fine(s).

Unauthorized Usage Offense Fee = $500.00 for unauthorized access, in addition to unauthorized usage charges and any damages that may occur.  The WVPWD shall back bill the customer for the unauthorized water usage to recover all charges for such services for the entire period during which these circumstances prevailed.  

WVPWD has adopted a "Zero-Tolerance Policy" for vandalism, theft, contamination, violence and/or threats of any kind to employees, the water system, meters, valves, tanks, pumps, vehicles & equipment and buildings.  We never know the intent of those who would commit these acts.  The results can be the same whether the acts are of a terrorist nature, disgruntled customers, other residents or pranks being played.  Please be on notice that if you are one who chooses to vandalize, steal, threaten, contaminate or create the possibility of contamination, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of State and Federal Law.  The vast majority of our customers are people who are concerned about safety and security and it is for those we have the "Zero-Tolerance Policy."   If you see anyone committing questionable acts to public water facilities; please report the incident to our office.  Both Federal and State law prohibit tampering with public water systems; a crime which is punishable by imprisonment, fines or both.

It is the policy of the WVPWD to aggressively deter any person or entity from theft of water, damage or tampering of WVPWD water property (to include but not limited to meters, locks, lids, rings).  As a customer of the WVPWD, if you know someone that is stealing water or damaging water company equipment - it IS going to cost you more money by higher bills due to the water loss and replacement cost of materials.

Water Theft & Tampering

Tampering with or destroying your water meter is a criminal offense. Having an illegal water connection, otherwise known as straight-line piping is a criminal offense. Cutting water meter locks and/or tampering with meter locks, once played by the WVPWD staff, is against the law.

Water theft can cost the district extra money in the areas of chemicals, electricity, supplies and wages that affect the district’s operating budget which in turn affects the district’s ability to pay their monthly expenses and create the possibility of a rate increase to recover costs associated with the lost revenue. 

Did you know when it comes to water theft, each honest water user in the water system is effectively financially supporting the water thieves in the system.  As an honest user, you have a vested interest in reporting abuses. West Vernon Parish Waterworks District is making an appeal to remind the honest water users in the district to protect your own interests by reporting illegal meter tampering or hydrant use.  Not only do such actions cost you as a ratepayer in the form of higher rates, but these water thieves can also put utility area residents at risk when illegal use compromises water pressure available to fight nearby fires and compromises the quality of water due to the possibility of contamination into the main lines from the illegal tap.

If you are a dishonest, illegal water user please be aware that you are “on notice” and potentially being watched by the other one-thousand, four-hundred + water utility customers of this water district. 

Every unauthorized usage event, illegal use of a hydrant and meter tampering event is reported to the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Dept. and will be subject to criminal charges and all fees assessed that are associated for penalties and fines related to the incident and will be required to be paid.

It is the policy of the WVPWD to aggressively deter any person or entity from the theft of water, damage or tampering (including removing or altering meter locks) of water or other services. WVPWD intends to deter water thefts to minimize

inequities to its rate payers, to prevent backflow resulting from hydrant theft and to do its part to address Homeland Security concerns. Through cooperation amount WVPWD employees, customers, the community, regulators, first responders, law enforcement, prosecutors and others, the prevention of water theft can be greatly reduced.

Measures to deter water theft or tampering will include the discontinuation of existing service, removal of existing service connections, promptly contacting law enforcement, demanding full payment of a new service charge for reinstatement of service, recording of property liens for unpaid bills and/or fines and any other action allowed by law.

WVPWD reminds customers that unauthorized water used includes the following and is

considered a violation of State and Federal Law. 

• Opening valves at the meter that have been locked by WVPWD personnel
• Bypassing, removing, disabling, moving or trying to adjust water meters, valves or hydrants
• Breaking, picking or damaging shut-off locks, meters, valves or hydrants
• Connecting to, intentionally damaging or moving water lines, valves, hydrants, meters or other equipment to receive

     water service that is not measured through a meter and/or is not being billed

• Using unmetered fire hydrants for construction, swimming pools filling, tanker truck filling, culvert cleaning or ANY

     other purpose apart from WVPWD employees for maintenance purposes

The safety of the WVPWD employees is of the utmost importance and aggressive, intimidating, or threatening behavior toward them as they are carrying out their duties will not be tolerated. They are authorized to immediately contact law enforcement.

If you know of any meter, compromised line or hydrant being used or tampered with, or water usage that is being stolen from the district, please phone our office at 337-238-2656 to give an anonymous report.

STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS

Both Federal and State law prohibit tampering with public water systems. These laws define tampering as crime which is punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both, in the discretion of the court.

TAMPERING WITH PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS

A Person Who Tampers (with an intention to harm), attempts to tamper, or threatens to tamper with a public drinking water system.  Statute: 42 U.S.C. 300i-1

Penalty:

20 years (10 if attempt or threat) and/or fines pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3571 Relevant Regulations: 40 C.F.R. 141 - 143

The Federal Code- “Public Health, Security, and Bio-Terrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002”

amended the “safe Drinking Water Act” (42 USC 300 i-l) by increasing the penalties for tampering,

attempted tampering, or even threats to tamper with a public water supply. Penalties can range up to 20

years and to $1,000,000 damages.

Criminal Provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

General descriptions of the criminal provisions under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) include those for:

• Tampering with Public Water Systems, and
• Willful Violations of Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program

THE SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT AS AMENDED BY THE SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT OF 1996

PUBLIC LAW 104–182, AUGUST 6, 1996SEC. 1432. TAMPERING WITH PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS

TAMPERING WITH PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS

SEC. 1432. (a) TAMPERING.—Any person who tampers with a public water system shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or fined in accordance with title 18 of the United States Code, or both.

(b) ATTEMPT OR THREAT.—Any person who attempts to tamper, or makes a threat to tamper, with a public drinking water system shall be imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or fined in accordance with title 18 of the United States Code, or both.

(c) CIVIL PENALTY.—The Administrator may bring a civil action in the appropriate United States district court (as determined under the provisions of title 28 of the United States Code) against any person who tampers, attempts to tamper, or makes a threat to tamper with a public water system. The court may impose on such

person a civil penalty of not more than $50,000 for such tampering or not more than $20,000 for such attempt or threat.

(d) DEFINITION OF ‘‘TAMPER’’.—For purposes of this section, the term ‘‘tamper’’ means —

(1) to introduce a contaminant into a public water system

with the intention of harming persons; or

(2) to otherwise interfere with the operation of a public

water system with the intention of harming persons.

Willful Violations of Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program

A person who willfully violates any requirement of an applicable underground injection control program, or an administrative order issued pursuant to this section.  Statute: 42 U.S.C. 300h-2(b)

Penalty:

3 years and/or fines pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3571 Relevant Regulations: 40 C.F.R. 144 – 149