Kerang man pleads guilty to water theft

G-MW started the prosecution after discovering about 40 Ml of water had been taken without G-MW’s consent on or about April 30, 2019.

Magistrate Rodney Higgins did not record a conviction but ordered the man to pay $1836.15 in costs.

G-MW's water delivery services general manager Warren Blyth said water theft was a crime and new rules were in place for stronger compliance.

“Zero-tolerance to water theft provides equity of access to limited water resources and protects those who are doing the right thing,” he said.

“G-MW will not hesitate to take tough enforcement action against people who do not comply with the Water Act 1989.”

The Water Act 1989 was amended in October 2019 to provide for greater deterrence against water theft by strengthening penalties and giving water corporations a wider range of enforcement tools and powers to suspend or cancel licences.

Customers with any queries on compliance can phone 1800 013 357 or go to www.gmwater.com.au/compliance