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VIDEO. From Montara Water and Sanitary District (MWSD) on April 18th, 2024.
Two Addresses Identified for Water Theft
From the General Manager’s Report for May 2nd, 2024, top of Page 4.
3/19/24 – Identified and locked out unapproved connections to water system at 955 Ocean and 898 San Ramon.
“Intentional water theft is very rare: “oops I didn’t know”. In this case, the gap between pipes for the water meters was bridged with a straight piece of pipe. The District has been financially compensated for the damages.” From GM Clemens Heldmaier.
Agenda Item and Ordinance Text ~ Review and Consideration of Ordinance Prohibiting Water Theft And Establishing Administrative Penalties for Water Theft
Last year, Governor Newsom signed into law SB 427 that gives California water agencies the authority to adopt enhanced penalties for water theft, providing a stronger deterrent to help protect the public’s valuable and vital resource.
The bill allows fines for the first violation to be 10 times larger than what previously existed. In addition to posing health risks, water theft makes it more difficult for water agencies to accurately account for the water being used by their ratepayers. The revenue lost from water theft can be passed on to paying customers, having a negative impact on water affordability.
SB 427, which added Section 53069.45 to the Government Code, authorizes this Board to adopt an ordinance prohibiting water theft and making a violation of said ordinance punishable by an administrative fine or penalty. Water theft is defined as an action to divert, tamper, or reconnect water utility services. Allowable fines vary based on the form of water theft used, distinguishing between theft committed via meter tampering or by any other method. Maximum fines range from $130 to $1,300 for thefts via meter tampering, or from $1,000 to $3,000 for all other methods. The bill further requires that the agency adopt administrative procedures governing the imposition, enforcement, collection, and review of the administrative fines or penalties for water theft and to establish a process for granting a hardship waiver to reduce the amount of the fine.
Attached is the proposed Ordinance, along with Exhibit A setting forth the proposed administrative procedures and penalties that staff recommends the Board adopt and be made part of the District’s Code. Note the proposed fines for violations are listed on page 7 and represent the maximum permissible amounts under Government Code Section 53069.45.
More on MWSD on Coastside Buzz
Montara Water and Sanitary District (MWSD) Meetings ~ 1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 7:30pm
MWSD Agendas and Meeting Links
If you experience technical difficulties or have technical questions prior to or during the meeting, please contact MWSD’s IT support at (650) 728-7843.
Meeting Videos
Meeting Schedule
Regular meetings are 7:30pm on the first and third Thursday of each month. They used to held at the District office at 8888 Cabrillo Hwy, next to Pt Montara Lighthouse and Hostel.
To receive agendas by email, send a request to [email protected]
In addition to email, we post agendas before each board meeting:
- On the District website here
- Montara post office
- Moss Beach post office
- the bulletin board in front of the MWSD office
Who is on the Board of Directors?
| DIRECTOR | TERM |
|---|---|
| Scott Boyd — President | Term 2020-2024 |
| Kathryn Slater-Carter — President Pro Tem, Secretary | Term 2020-2024 |
| Peter Dekker — Treasurer | Term 2020-2026 |
| Bill Softky — Director | Term 2022-2026 |
| Carlysle Ann (Cid) Young— Director | Term 2023-2024 |
All Board members may be reached by sending an email to [email protected].
Services
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) – MWSD is a member of SAM, the agency that collects and cleans our Coastside community’s wastewater before it enters the ocean. SAM meets monthly on the 4th Monday at 7:30pm. Jim Harvey and Scott Boyd presently serve as SAM board members.
Recology of the Coast – MWSD has contracted with Recology of the Coast for trash pickup, recycling, and waste hauling.
Visit County Solid Waste Department for more information about recycling, composting, etc.
In an Emergency
Water Emergencies: Call MWSD at (650) 728-3545
Sewer Emergencies: Call SAM at (650) 726-0124
For emergencies that affect life, health or safety: Dial 911
Contact Us
- 8888 Cabrillo Hwy
Montara, California 94037 - Office Hours:
8:30AM to 5PM Mon-Fri - (650) 728-3545
- [email protected]
Note: Public participation is not permitted during closed session discussion items.
MSWD General Manager Clemens Heldmaier showing a creek filtration system.
Author: Coastside Buzz
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