Water meter thefts continue

A spate of water meter thefts around West Gippsland has continued, with water meters at Trafalgar and Drouin the latest targets.

Two water meters valued at $1700 were stolen from units in Main South Rd, Drouin between February 23 and 24.

Police said two water meters valued at $2000 also were stolen from Trafalgar recreation reserve between February 19 and 20.

Earlier this month Gippsland Water reported 15 homes and businesses had been left without water due to a spate of water meter thefts around Warragul.

GW customer service and communications manager Paul Clark said the thefts were becoming a real problem.

“In Warragul alone, about 15 water meters were stolen in the past six to 12 months, presumably for scrap metal.”

“It is an inconvenience to householders and commercial businesses because it means they are without water until a replacement meter can be installed.”

The cost of the replacing the meter is met by Gippsland Water. “It costs us up to $700 to replace each water meter, so it’s not a cheap exercise,” Mr Clark said.

Meters are generally replaced the next day. However, it can take some time for organisations to source a replacement back flow prevention device. In these cases, Gippsland Water can put in a temporary fix which allows water flow to be restored.