As the Utilities Department carries out water shutoffs on delinquent accounts, it has discovered some customers whose water has been shut off for non-payment have turned the water back on themselves. This is an unlawful action. Tampering with a city valve or otherwise turning water back on after an enforcement shutoff is in violation of city code.
Staff will start auditing accounts that have been shut off and not paid. If the meter shows water has been used, the line will be “slugged” (preventing water flow) and the meter may be removed. Both of these actions will incur an additional fee being added to the customer's already past-due bill.
Payment arrangements can currently be made by visiting the Water Billing Office (415 N. Richardson Ave.). However, if a customer's water line is slugged or the meter is removed because of unlawful use of water, the total balance due must be paid prior to water service being restored.
Original source can be found here.
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