A recent meeting of the Assembly Local Government Committee highlighted a pressing issue facing California's public water agencies: water theft. This illegal activity poses a significant threat to the delivery of safe, clean, and affordable drinking water, impacting communities across the state.

Water theft, particularly from hydrants, has escalated into a serious problem, often involving sophisticated commercial entities that use specialized tools to siphon water for construction, landscaping, and farming. This not only leads to costly damage to hydrants but also risks contaminating the water supply and lowering water pressure, which can hinder emergency firefighting efforts. The consequences of these actions are felt by law-abiding ratepayers, who ultimately bear the financial burden through increased water rates.

Current laws impose fines ranging from $1,000 for a first violation to $3,000 for subsequent offenses, but these penalties have proven insufficient as some offenders view them merely as a cost of doing business. In response, the committee is considering a bill that would empower local governments to impose stricter penalties for water theft. Proposed fines would increase to $2,500 for the first violation, $5,000 for the second, and $10,000 for the third and any additional violations. The bill also seeks to eliminate the one-year reset on penalties and allows local agencies to pursue full damages through civil action.

The intent behind these changes is clear: to deter water theft before it occurs. By increasing the financial repercussions for offenders, lawmakers hope to protect vital water resources and ensure that communities can rely on their public water systems without the threat of theft undermining their efforts. As discussions continue, the focus remains on safeguarding California's water supply for all residents.