Pennsylvania American Water Reports More Hydrant Tampering to Police, Seeks Public Vigilance to Avert Public Safety Threat

Following four new incidents of illegal activity involving fire hydrants, Pennsylvania American Water again reminded the public today that hydrant tampering is a crime and could result in penalties including prison time and significant fines, or a combination of both.

The company reported that the additional instances of hydrant tampering occurred in the early morning hours of July 10, in Bethel Park Borough, bringing the total reported illegal openings to approximately seven in the municipality.

“Hydrant tampering is a threat to public safety and your water service and quality,” said Pennsylvania American Senior Director of Field Operations Deborah P. Lippert. “We’re asking customers to be vigilant in monitoring their community fire hydrants and to please report it to your local law enforcement officials immediately.”

The company has been in contact with emergency management personnel in Allegheny and Washington Counties. Beginning on June 18, 2014, reports of illegal hydrant use were reported in Baldwin Borough, Bethel Park and Peters Township. Approximately 14 hydrants have been illegally opened during daylight and overnight hours in the aforementioned communities combined.

Tampering is considered interfering with the operation of a public water system and includes unauthorized hydrant use, which can reduce water pressure in the system and affect water service and quality.

Reduced pressure is not only an inconvenience for customers, but it can also create a dangerous situation should a fire or other legitimate need occur in another part of the water system. According to U.S. Code, “Any person who tampers with a public water system shall be imprisoned for not more than 20 years, or fined in accordance with title 18, or both.”

The law also states that the federal government can bring a civil action “against any person who tampers, attempts to tamper, or makes a threat to tamper with a public water system” and impose a civil penalty of up to $1 million.

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.1 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.