Water Theft Policy
Consolidated Utility District does not tolerate water theft or the manipulation of water meters. We make every attempt to assure that all the water produced is metered and sold. If you suspect someone is using water that is not metered, please call CUD immediately. We will send someone to investigate and disconnect and secure the violation. CUD discourages anyone from obtaining water from the distribution system by any unauthorized means.
CUD's policy for tampering or unauthorized use of the public water system is:
Illegal Connection $1,000.00 1st Offense
$3,000.00 2nd Offense
Arrest Warrant 3rd Offense
****** Illegal Connection ******
$100.00 Reward
Unmetered and/or unauthorized use of a public water system is a crime subject to both civil and criminal penalties. In Fact, one of the most recent perpetrators of water theft on CUD’s system was sentenced to 30 days in jail. If you see unauthorized use of CUD water, please call us immediately.
Examples of Unmetered and/or Unauthorized Water Use:
Unmetered water use is any attempt to obtain water with the intent to avoid paying for the water used. These types of connections are not only illegal, but they could threaten the quality of water that is delivered to your home or business. Examples may include:
Unmetered / Illegal connection to a fire hydrant
The hoses are connected directly to the fire hydrant without a meter or a backflow device.
Metered / Legal Fire Hydrant Connection
There is a meter and a backflow device between the hose and the fire hydrant.
Meter Bypass
An attempt to obtain water without paying for the use of the water.
Meter Tap Bypass
These connections are generally found in areas of new construction.
Damaging the Water Meter
This meter was intentionally damaged in an attempt to stop the meter from registering the water used.
