See Something, Say Something
Water theft is an alarming crime that threatens the integrity of our community's water supply. For this reason, TVWD customers are asked to report suspected water theft in your neighborhood. Together, we can protect this precious resource.
Combating water theft depends on recognizing suspicious activities. Red flags to watch out for include:
- Dumping or discharging materials into water reservoirs.
- Individuals climbing or cutting utility fences. Unauthorized access to water facilities can lead to theft or damage.
- Vehicles parked or loitering near water facilities. Also, note multiple sightings of the same vehicle or person engaging in inappropriate activities.
- Water trucks pulling water from fire hydrants without green caps. Water trucks should also display their permits on their dashboard.
- Individuals climbing on top of tanks or photographing or videotaping utility facilities, structures, or equipment may indicate unauthorized access for illicit purposes.
When encountering suspected water theft, following the correct reporting procedures is crucial. TVWD strongly advises against confronting the individuals involved and instead recommends calling TVWD directly at 503-848-3000 any time of day or night.
If you see activity that qualifies as an emergency such as tampering with District property, trespassing, threats to life safety, or other suspicious activity, please contact 911. When making the report, remember to provide:
- Nature of the Problem: Briefly describe the suspicious activity you have observed, explicitly mentioning water theft concerns.
- Time of Incident: Note when the incident occurred, as this information can aid investigations.
- Number of Individuals: If possible, estimate how many people were involved in the suspicious activity.
- Additional Details: Report if there are injuries, vehicles, suspicious packages, or weapons involved in the incident. These details can assist law enforcement in assessing the situation.
We all have a stake in safeguarding our water supply. Water theft affects TVWD's operations and our community's water access. By remaining vigilant and promptly reporting any suspicious activity, we can maintain the integrity of TVWD’s water system.
