Water Theft – $5,000.00 fine and/or 6 month’s imprisonment

Posted: 24 Jun 2009 in the Corporate News Category

BWS is committed to providing high quality water and sewer services at the lowest possible cost to its customers. Water theft can compromise this commitment.
Theft of water by tampering with or bypassing water meters not only costs BWS thousands of dollars a year, but also imposes costs on each and every paying customer. Water theft is a serious offense and can result in significant fines as well as criminal charges or civil prosecution by BWS. The water industry act provides for penalties of up to $5,000.00 fine and/or up to 6 months imprisonment. BWS will also file a civil claim to recover cost involved in removing illegal connection and to recover losses assessed for water wasted, misused or improperly consumed.
To address this illegal activity, BWS has deployed staff dedicated to locating and eliminating water theft. BWS is has also acquired hi-tech detection equipment that will also help to locate illegal connections. Public assistance in locating illegal connections is always appreciated and encouraged. Tenants of apartment houses or buildings are also encouraged to report any signs of water theft.
The following conditions may cause BWS to be suspicious of water theft:
• meter readings that are lower than previous readings;
• low consumption based on knowledge of average water consumption;
• refusal of access into a property for BWS employees to inspect water meter or water service.
BWS Employees are empowered by the water industry act to enter premises for purposes of checking verifying water usage, leakage, theft, etc.
Water theft has a negative effect on all BWS customers. If you are aware of water theft taking place in a property, or are suspicious that water theft may be occurring, please contact: BWS at 222-4757 or submit a report on our "report a problem" page on our website at www.bws.com.bz
Remember: We all pay for water theft!