NEWS RELEASE Contact: Lieutenant Barry Dufek
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE bdufek@purcellvilleva.gov; 540-338-7422 x104
WATER THEFT AWARENESS
PURCELLVILLE, Va. July 28, 2020 — The Town of Purcellville has recently experienced an increase in water theft. Citizens and businesses are encouraged to contact the Purcellville Police Department if a water theft is witnessed.
Water theft is the unauthorized hookup to the Town’s water distribution system either by taking water from a fire hydrant, meter setter, or tampering with a water meter. Tampering with the water system is Illegal per Town Code Sec. 82-86.
Water theft imposes the following risks:
- Creating an unnecessary burden of water use restrictions to citizens
- Water Contamination
- Destruction to Infrastructure
- Damage to hydrants or meters
- Low Water Pressure
- Threatens Fire Protection
Water Theft is Illegal
Anyone caught stealing water from the Town of Purcellville’s water system will have their meter and equipment confiscated by the Town. The Town of Purcellville staff will contact the owner of the meter to obtain the last recorded reading, then bill the offender for the difference at the bulk water rate, and impose a fine from $1,000-$2,000 based on number of offenses. Additionally, the offender may be subject to criminal charges as well as court fees.
Town residents may receive a credit on their utility bill for reporting a water theft in progress. Please call the non-emergency police dispatch at 703-777-1021 to report an incident. Your name must be on the police report in order to obtain the reward of a $50 credit to your water bill.
REMEMBER: Only the Town of Purcellville staff and the Fire Department is authorized to access fire hydrants and water meters!
The Town of Purcellville, Virginia
“Purcellville-your small Town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper,” is an award-winning town of over 10,000 residents located in Loudoun County, approximately 50 miles west of Washington, DC. Having received the prestigious Siemens Sustainability Award for Small Communities, Purcellville continues to be honored for its green initiatives with most recently being the Tree City USA recipient for the 12th year. The Town was reaffirmed as a AAA rated community by S&P Global Ratings, the highest credit rating possible, and is recognized as one of the safest towns in Virginia. Once a stop along the W&OD rail line, which has been converted to a multi-use trail from Alexandria, VA to Purcellville, the Town has maintained its historic old-town feel through the restoration and maintenance of its many downtown structures, reflecting the Victorian architecture popular during the early 1900s. Today, Purcellville is the economic hub of western Loudoun County and a popular weekend destination for antiquing, equestrian activities, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. More info at www.purcellvilleva.gov.
###
