Buffalo Rustlers in Hot Water as Company Cracks Down on Resource Theft

BUFFALO, New York — Homeowners unable to pay their water bills sometimes circumvent the system, reconnecting to the source themselves. But no longer will that be possible, reports The Buffalo News.

Upon finding that 18 percent of delinquent consumers turned the pipes their way without paying, the company responsible for Buffalo’s water works has decided to take stricter measures — installing a concrete plug to prevent illegal restoration.

According to The Buffalo News, experts estimate taxpayers pay $300,000 to $400,000 annually for every thousand bill-evading customers. Water officials are working to encourage payment plans for those who cannot afford the cost.

Read more here.

Source: The Buffalo News