East Zone concessionaire Manila Water reminds its customers to be extra vigilant against tampering and theft of their water meter.
East Zone concessionaire Manila Water reminds its customers to be extra vigilant against tampering and theft of their water meters.
“In the recent weeks, we have received an increased number of cases of theft and tampering of water meters in our service area and filed criminal cases against captured suspects in Quezon City and Makati City. We would like to remind everybody that meter theft and tampering are both against the law, and violators and their abettors will face detention and penalties,” says Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director.
Section 8 of the Republic Act 8041 – National Water Crisis Act poses strict sanctions and penalties on pilferage of water meters, main lines, pipes, and related or ancillary facilities; stealing of water for profit or resale; possession of stolen or tampered water meters; and the willful acceptance or tolerance of the said actions.
Tampering, installation, and use of tampered water meters, sticks, magnets, reversing water meters, shortening of vane wheels, and other devices to steal water or interfere with accurate registry or metering of water usage, or otherwise result in its diversion in a manner whereby water is stolen or wasted is also strictly prohibited and illegal, as well as the use or acceptance of direct benefit of water service with knowledge that diversion, tampering, or illegal connection existed at the time of that use, or that the use or receipt was otherwise without the authorization of the water utility.
Those who will be apprehended and their accomplices can face jail time of six (6) months to two (2) years, while plumbers by profession and employees of water service-related companies who serve as collaborators may face imprisonment for two (2) to six (6) years.
If the water is stolen for profit or resale, the offender shall be punished with imprisonment from six (6) to twelve (12) years.
In case of theft or tampering of meters, Manila Water customers are advised to immediately report the incident to their respective barangay councils or assigned Manila Water Senior Territory Manager or call the Manila Water Customer Service Hotline 1627.
First-time replacement of stolen or tampered meters is free of charge, while appropriate fees will be charged for the next occurrences.
Manila Water also advised its customers to implement protective measures to further guard their water meters. Customers are allowed to install grills or safety vaults around their water meters.
“Also, be cautious of persons who introduce themselves as employees of the Company and manipulate your water meters,” adds Sevilla.
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