3.10.450 Unauthorized operation or use of canal water.
Any action taken by a person to provide any unauthorized use of water to the parcel(s) in question will be considered tampering with CVWD equipment. Tampering or unauthorized uses of canal facilities shall include, but are not limited to:
A. Preventing any canal water service meter, or other device used in determining the charge for canal water services, from accurately performing its measuring function by tampering or by any other means;
B. Tampering with any property owned by or used by CVWD to provide canal water service;
C. Making or causing to be made any connection with or reconnection with property owned or used by CVWD to provide canal water service without the authorization or consent of CVWD;
D. Using or receiving the direct benefit of all or a portion of canal water service with knowledge or reason to believe that the diversion, tampering, or unauthorized connection existed at the time of that use, or that the use or receipt was otherwise without the authorization or consent of CVWD;
E. Adding any chemicals at the meter stand.
If unauthorized operation or use of canal water or system or a wrongful or unauthorized act is committed by the owner, its tenants, agents, employees, or contractors or if vandalism is determined, CVWD shall not be held responsible for loss or damage to any life, property, crop, structure, equipment or environment. The property owner will be held responsible for all loss and/or damage to surrounding life, property, crops, structures, equipment, or environment.
In addition to assessing a penalty in accordance with Appendix B of this chapter, CVWD may seek criminal prosecution, as authorized by Cal. Penal Code § 498, for any person with intent to obtain for himself or herself canal water service without paying the full lawful charge. (Ord. 1437.3 § 11-5, 2023; Ord. 1437.2 § 11-5, 2023; Ord. 1437.1 § 11-5, 2022; Ord. 1437 § 2 (Exh. A § 11-5), 2019)