By Scott Harvey
Commerce – The City of Commerce is reminding residents that you could be subject to criminal charges should you tamper with your water meter.
A person who knowingly tampers, causes impairment or interruption, including removal of any device or power supply of a public utility service commits a Class A misdemeanor.
While the meter boxes can easily withstand weather and other environmental conditions, the equipment is sensitive and cannot withstand tinkering, tampering, or mishandling. In fact, the system alerts the city if the meter has been tampered with since the last reading.
Within the last two years, the city has installed new, more accurate water meters.
The person or persons who have a water account with the City of Commerce will be held responsible for repairs or replacement of any meter that has been damaged or tampered with. Questions can be addressed to the Public Works Department at 903-886-1152.