The town own some backflow prevention devices on town properties. Most are privately owned. If you see anyone tampering with a backflow prevention device or have experienced a theft of the device:

• Call 911 to have an officer dispatched.
• Contact the utilities infrastructure protection supervisor.

The devices are housed in utility boxes and prevent contaminated water from entering potable water in a building. They can be targets for theft due to their metal content. Property owners who have had a backflow preventer stolen or damaged will need to employ the services of a plumber.

Preventing Theft

Options for preventing theft include:

• Employing community or neighborhood watch prevention, asking community members to report any suspicious behavior to police.
• Adding a lock to the backflow preventer box or installing a locking box, available from a plumber or from a plumbing warehouse. If locks are added, access must be given to the town.
• Cutting back any shrubs or other plantings to allow some view of the device and ensuring that an area of at least 5 feet around the utility is free of any growth.

Any tampering of a meter or service connection will result in the meter being locked and a tampering fee and civil penalty. Service will not be reconnected until all fees are paid in full.

Repeated tampering will result in removal of the meter, additional fees to reset and reactivate it, and potential civil or criminal charges.

Water theft can cause concerns for the public water system including:

• Water hammer (form of hydraulic shock) in the system that breaks pipes and damages equipment.
• Lowered water pressure for customers during the time of theft.
• Contamination of the public water system.
• Costs associated with repairing damage to the system.

If you see a person or business taking water from a water hydrant without an orange meter box, report it immediately to 911 and to the utility system superintendent.

To help the town prosecute the case:

• Discreetly take a photo if possible.
• Note the time, date, location, vehicle name and number, and license plate.

Legally Obtained Water

Contractors are able to purchase bulk water from the town. They can:

• Obtain water from the Water Treatment Plant by paying in advance at the Town Hall Annex.
• Rent water meters to legally obtain water from a fire hydrant. The meters are housed in an orange box with a backflow prevention device to safely obtain water. 

See the Start or Stop Service page.