Water Agencies Considering Fine Hikes For Bay Area Water Stealers
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Northern California water districts are looking to hike fines for meter cheaters and other people who steal water as the state enters its fourth year of drought.
The Contra Costa Times reported Saturday that the East Bay Municipal Utility District and some other San Francisco Bay Area water districts have never issued such fines.
Instead, repeat offenders have had their water turned off and charged reconnection fees.
East Bay water district board member John Coleman says the district should have a penalty greater than the cost of water. A proposal will be considered March 10.
In December, the Contra Costa Water District boosted fines for stealing water from $25 to $250 for a first offense and $500 thereafter.
Other agencies have seen people tampering with their water meters and stealing water from fire hydrants.