Water Theft 

Rainbow Water District's Board of Directors adopted administrative penalties for water theft in June 2026. The penalties are related to meter tampering, unauthorized use of fire hydrants, and water diversion, as authorized by Senate Bill (SB) 394. SB394 was signed into law in October 2025 to help deter illegal water theft across the state.

Water theft impacts the water supply available to customers, risks contamination, reduces water pressure, increases costs for all Rainbow customers, and could hinder access to fire hydrants during emergency events. The penalties are structured on a tiered violation level for first, second, and subsequent violations.  

Penalty Fees are listed on the Rate Sheet

Meter Tampering & Unauthorized Reconnection

Based on Government Code Section 53069.45, which authorizes administrative fines for water theft, including actions to divert, tamper with, or reconnect water utility service. The hydrant category is based on the newer Government Code Section 53069.46, added by SB 394, which allows retail water agencies to adopt enhanced penalties for unauthorized fire hydrant connections, including use of a fire hydrant, hydrant meter, or fire detector check. 

Water Theft and Unauthorized Diversion

Administrative Fine of $1,000 for a first violation, $2,000 for a second violation within 12 months, and $3,000 for a third or subsequent violation. This fine is in addition to the cost of water used, District labor, administrative costs, investigation costs, equipment damage, meter replacement, and any other costs incurred by the District.

Unauthorized Fire Hydrant Use

Administrative Fine of $2,500 for a first violation, $5,000 for a second violation, and $10,000 for a third or subsequent violation, in addition to all applicable cost recovery charges.

Report Water Theft

Rainbow Water District employs certified trained staff to operate the opening and closing of valves. Team members go through extensive coursework study, testing to comply with all state regulations, and use of specialized tools. Tampering with hyrants or accessing connections may result in damage to infrastructure which causes a halt in water availability for the community and limit availability for emergency response.

If you see or suspect unauthorized use, please call Customer Service at 760-728-1178. Complete the form below to report water theft.