Homeland Park Water & Sewer
Water Theft and Tampering Policy for Developers and Builders
This policy enforced as of February 5th, 2024
Homeland Park Water & Sewer 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 Homeland Park Water’s policies and standard operating procedures.
We would like 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 penalties and possible prosecution. Compromising the water quality and integrity of our water system is the primary concern of Homeland Park Water & Sewer and it is also our duty to diligently safeguard the finances of the ratepayers of Homeland Park.
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
$500.00 fee /penalty for the first offense.
$1,000.00 fee / penalty for the second offense and possible incarceration.
If a third offense is committed, Homeland Park Water & Sewer will remove the meter and all associated contents and crimp the line. The account holder will be charged for a new service tap fee as related to the size of the tap i.e: $2,000.00 for ¾ inch line. Please refer to Rates & Fees for more information. Included with this fee / penalty will also be possible incarceration. This price is subject to change as tap fees increase over time.
Contractors of all new housing construction 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. Any changes in the original grade level or location of the meter box must be approved by Homeland Park Water & Sewer in advance and the work performed by Homeland Park Water & Sewer field staff. All costs (materials, labor, and mobilization) related to these changes will be borne by the account holder.
Homeland Park Water & Sewer will not absorb the cost for any destruction of Homeland Park Water & Sewer 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.
Homeland Park Water & Sewer 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 fee / penalty, and any other charges for expenses absorbed by Homeland Park Water & Sewer to correct the situation. All fees must be paid immediately before any further actions will be taken by Homeland Park Water & Sewer.
