A person commits an offense of theft of water by any of the following actions:
(A) A person may not knowingly tamper, connect to, or alter any component of the city’s water system including valves, meters, meter boxes, lids, hydrants, lines, pump stations, ground storage tanks, and elevated storage tanks. This shall include direct or indirect efforts to initiate or restore water service without the approval of the City Manager or the City Manager’s designee.
(B) If, without the written consent of the City Manager or the City Manager’s designee, the person knowingly causes, suffers or allows the initiation or restoration of water service to the property after termination of service(s). For purposes of this division (B), it shall be assumed that the owner, occupant, or person in control of the property caused, suffered, or allowed the unlawful initiation or restoration of service(s).
(C) A person makes or cause a false report to be made to the city of a reading of a water meter installed for metered billing.
(Ord. 230509A, passed 5-9-2023) Penalty, see § 51.999