Full Notification

The City of Santa Clara Water and Sewer Department experienced approximately sixteen (16) thefts of water meter and/or back-flow regulators throughout the City for their scrap metal. The unknown suspect(s) remove the cover, shut off the valve and use a pipe cutter to cut off the devices.
A water meter measures the volume of water passing through a pipe and a back-flow valve protects drinking water from contamination. It is estimated the City of Santa Clara has lost over $40,000 as a result of these thefts. The removal of these devices also interrupts water service to the property and has the potential to waste water or cause water damage if the water is left running uncontrolled.

There are two potential suspect vehicles associated with these thefts: a white older style panel van with a black stripe running between the wheel wells on each side of the vehicle and a 1991 black Chevy Blazer (California license plate 6GWJ960). The Chevy was stolen and has since been recovered in Santa Clara.

The City of Santa Clara is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s). If you observe anyone tampering with a water meter or back-flow valve (pictured below), please call 9-1-1- immediately. If you know of someone selling items that resemble those pictured, please contact the Santa Clara Police Department’s non-emergency phone at (408)615-5580.