IN short:

Balranald Shire Council contractors have identified instances of water meter tampering during recent inspections across the shire

Tampering with water meters is an offence under the Local Government Act 1993, carrying maximum penalties of up to $2,200

Council will take formal enforcement action including prosecution where appropriate, and is asking residents to report suspected tampering

Balranald Shire Council has discovered instances of water meter tampering during recent inspections across the shire and is warning that offenders face prosecution and significant penalties.

Council contractors identified cases where meters and associated fittings appear to have been tampered with to access water before it is measured at the meter during a recently completed program of water meter inspections.

Chief Executive Officer Terry Dodds said the conduct is both unfair to the broader community and unlawful.

"This conduct is not only unfair to the broader community because it shifts costs onto law-abiding residents, but it is also unlawful," he said.

Under the Local Government Act 1993, it is an offence to damage a council water meter or fitting, alter a meter index, or prevent a meter from properly registering water use. The maximum penalty for this conduct is 20 penalty units, currently up to $2,200. Council is also able to consider related offences where council infrastructure has been interfered with.

The discovery highlights an ongoing issue in rural communities where water infrastructure can be dispersed across vast areas, making regular monitoring challenging.

Council has made clear it will take a firm and evidence based approach to the problem. Where tampering is identified, council may take formal investigation and enforcement action, including prosecution where appropriate. Cases may also be referred to NSW Police where circumstances warrant, and council will seek recovery of rectification costs and the assessed value of water taken, where such recovery is lawful and supported by evidence.

"Water meter tampering is not a harmless shortcut. It is effectively shifting a private benefit onto the wider community," the council statement said. "Honest people should not subsidise those who are not."

Council is asking residents to report suspected tampering or unusual connections near meters, with all reports to be kept confidential. The request for community vigilance recognises that residents often notice unusual activity or modifications around water infrastructure before authorities can conduct regular inspections.

For enquiries or to report suspected tampering, contact Balranald Shire Council on 03 5020 1300 or email [email protected].