Contra Costa Water District Sees Rise in Thefts From Hydrants, Water Lines

Contra Costa Water District leaders are considering raising the fines for stealing water after a surge of thefts from fire hydrants and residential water lines, a district spokeswoman said Friday.

"It's not uncommon for this to be happening -- what we have seen this year is an uptick in the amount of people witnessing water theft issues," water district spokeswoman Jennifer Allen said.

In recent months the district has had more residents call to report thefts of water from fire hydrants or water lines on residential properties, she said.

Allen said the thieves typically bypass water meters, so the district has no idea of how much water was stolen.

At their Dec. 10 meeting, the water district's board will consider raising the fines for water theft from $25 to $250 for first-time offenders, and to $500 for any subsequent violations.

District officials are also looking into what is prompting the thefts, including residents with an unreliable water supply, especially in rural areas, Allen said.

Allen said the district wants to spread the word that residents in need of water can either rent a temporary water hydrant meter or buy a permanent one from the district.