Powdersville Water is pleased to see continued growth in our service area. However, the growth has brought with it a few issues that need to be addressed regarding Powdersville Water’s policies and standard operating procedures.

We want to remind all parties associated with new construction that tampering with the contents of a meter installation or altering the metering mechanism of the tap is illegal and something that we take very seriously. These actions can result in serious fines and possible prosecution. Compromising the water quality and integrity of our water system is the primary concern of your water company. We also are concerned about other rate payers having to cover the cost of stolen water.

Here are some things that you need to know:

• Straight piping a meter setter is water theft and is punishable under South Carolina Law and can include jail time. Violators are subject to a $500 fine for the first offense and $1,000 for the second offense and possible incarceration. Contractors of all new housing starts must make arrangements for a new meter to be installed at every lot prior to beginning any construction. This action will immediately cut down on the amount of water theft that is occurring in our system. If repeat offenses continue to occur, water service may be denied. It is that serious! Any changes in the original grade level or location of the meter box must be approved by Powdersville Water in advance and the work performed by Powdersville Water field staff. All costs (materials, labor and mobilization) related to these changes will be borne by the account holder.
• Powdersville Water will not absorb the cost for any destruction of Powdersville Water property, e.g. meter boxes, meter setters, transmitters, meter lids, and water meters. It is the account holder’s responsibility to safeguard these assets; all costs related to repairs of this nature will be borne by the name on the account.
• Powdersville Water routinely inspects new construction to verify that these policies are being followed. If a violation is discovered during one of these inspections, the developer/builder will be assessed a $35 service call charge, the appropriate fine and any other charges for expenses absorbed by Powdersville Water to correct the situation. All fees must be paid immediately before any further actions will be taken by Powdersville Water.

If you have any questions about these policies, or if you are aware of either tampering or theft occurring in our system, please give us a call at 864-269-5440, option 4. You will be rewarded for any evidence that leads to enforcement. Thank you.