January 12, 2026 – Rowland Water District’s Board of Directors has approved comprehensive measures to protect customers from the financial burden of water theft and ensure system safety and reliability.
The new Water Theft Ordinance addresses unauthorized water use, meter tampering, and illegal hydrant connections that have been costing law-abiding customers money while potentially compromising water quality and fire protection. When water is stolen, honest customers bear the cost.
“Our customers deserve a water system where everyone pays their fair share,” said General Manager Tom Coleman. “This ordinance reflects our commitment to protecting ratepayers from subsidizing theft and ensuring every drop of water is accounted for transparently.”
The ordinance responds to Senate Bill 394, enacted in 2025, which strengthened state law enforcement tools and penalties for water theft. The legislation reinforced local agencies’ authority to protect public water systems and hold violators accountable for unauthorized use, particularly involving fire hydrants.
Under the new ordinance, violations carry administrative fines ranging from $130 for first-time meter tampering up to $10,000 for repeat unauthorized fire hydrant use. Violators are also responsible for the value of stolen water, repair costs, and investigation expenses.
The measure aligns with the RWD’s strategic planning priorities of financial sustainability, infrastructure protection, and exceptional customer service. By recovering costs from violators rather than spreading them across all ratepayers, RWD upholds its core values of stewardship and accountability.
The ordinance also addresses critical public safety concerns. Unauthorized hydrant use can reduce water pressure for firefighting and create contamination risks threatening neighborhood water quality.
“Good governance means taking action to protect both the resources we manage and the customers we serve,” Coleman added. “This is about ensuring fairness, maintaining system integrity, and honoring our responsibility to the community.”
The ordinance takes effect immediately and includes provisions for due process and hardship consideration, reflecting RWD’s principles of fairness and compassion alongside accountability, all consistent with its purpose statement of “Caring for our Neighbors”.
Customers who suspect water theft are encouraged to report it confidentially at (562) 697-1726 or info@rwd.org.
