Southern Water District just invested $1.4 million into new water meters for its customers. But those meters are now being vandalized and stolen.

According to Utility Management Group Project Manager Randy Conley, the water thieves are taking the meters from places that are closed, like churches and community centers, then using them to connect their own homes to water.

He says it is a problem that has been ongoing in the community for years as people try to avoid paying water bills, but it is something that has to be addressed before the district will be able to lower its utility rates.

Conley said stealing and breaking the equipment is only part of the way the thieves are taking from the community.

He said thousands of dollars are lost every month, something the public can help rectify by reporting water theft issues. Those issues can be reported anonymously to the water district.