TORONTO – The Region of Durham is asking residents to keep a close eye on their neighbourhood fire hydrants due to a high number of water thefts.
Officials say these occurrences have been happening for the past two years, especially throughout the spring, summer and fall.
“It’s thousands, potentially millions of litres of water,” said John Presta, director of environmental services for the Region of Durham Works Department.
The Region says this form of theft raises water rates for residents and threatens local water quality.
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“We want to make sure our rate payers are not being short changed, in terms of people taking water for free,” Presta said.
“Also if you don’t have the proper backfill prevention, another substance can get into our water distribution system, there is that potential,” he added.
Officials say illegal water haulers are the main culprits.
“They can be from filling up the clients’ swimming pools, use for construction activity where municipal water is not available,” said Presta. “There’s a number of spraying chemicals with a water mix, general watering or cleaning with landscaping companies.”
Durham Region has a Hydrant Permit program and Water By-law that allow companies to legally take water they paid for.
Hydrant permits can be obtained at any Durham Region’s depots.
But municipal works departments still report thousands of litres of illegal water thefts a year.
Region officials are encouraging resident to report any suspicious activity around fire hydrants by calling 905-576-3352 or 1-800-372-1102 ext. 3495.
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