Tampering with Utility Equipment
TAMPERING WITH UTILITY EQUIPMENT CONSTITUTES A THEFT OFFENSE under Ohio Revised Code Section 4933.18, which could result in the imposition of criminal sanctions. This applies to reconnection of water service disconnected by Greater Cincinnati Water Works as well as to actions to damage or by-pass a water meter, conduit or attachment with the intent to impede the reading or accurate registration of the meter.
If GCWW equipment is found to have been tampered with, GCWW will take action up to and including physical disconnection from the water main. The fee for such a disconnection starts at $1,500. Once the service connection has been removed, no service will be available at the property until all charges are paid in full and an application is made for a new service connection. The additional reconnection fee starts at $2,775.