Four cases of water meter tampering have been discovered in Oliver.
Since February of last year the Town has changed out 200 meters and investigated water leak calls from residents.
The useful life of a water meter is typically about 10 years and the accuracy of meters could deteriorate over time.
During an inspection, four meters were found to have been tampered with, resulting in the Town issuing $1,000 fines to property owners for “tampering with a water system” under Water Regulation Bylaw 1289. The tampering varied from removing the meter and installing a by-pass, while others removed the locking pin.
According to the Town, water consumption for each of these property owners was significantly below average or non-existent.
The Town ways it will continue to replace water meters as the life expectancy nears completion, and will impose fines to property owners who tamper with their meters.
