1. (1) Customers are prohibited from tampering with the water utility’s property and facilities or stealing, diverting, or engaging in unauthorized use of water.

2. (2) If a water utility discovers that a customer has tampered with water utility property or facilities, or has engaged in theft or unauthorized use of water, the water utility must notify the customer of the violations and may take one or more of the following actions:

   1. (a) Repair or restore the facilities and charge the customer the costs incurred;
   2. (b) Adjust the customer's prior billing for loss of revenue under the applicable tariffs or schedule of rates;
   3. (c) Initiate action to disconnect service. As provided by OAR 860-036-1510, the water utility need only provide a written 7-calendar day disconnection notice prior to service disconnection;
   4. (d) Require a new application for service that accurately reflects the customer's proposed water use; and
   5. (e) Assess a deposit for restored or continued service.
3. (3) In addition to actions taken by the water utility, the Commission may assess civil penalties under ORS 757.994 against customers who violate section (1) of this rule.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 183, 756 & 757

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 756.040 & 757.994

History

PUC 1-2017, f. & cert. ef. 1-24-17