East Bay Water Agency Puts Locks On Water Meters To Deter Tampering During Drought
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- As California's drought drags on, officials are cracking down on thieves who wrench open fire hydrants and ignore or tamper with water meters.
In response to water thefts from San Francisco Bay Area homes, the East Bay Municipal Utility District added locks to more than 1,100 water meters that were illegally pried open during the first 11 months of 2014.
The district is considering options for criminal penalties for tampering with their equipment or neighbors' pipes.
In December, the Contra Costa Water District boosted fines for stealing water from $25 to $250 for a first offense and $500 thereafter.
California Association of Water Agencies spokeswoman Jennifer Persike said water theft is not a major concern in February but could increase in spring and summer when supplies are even scarcer.
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