Fire hydrants on lockdown

As the California drought continues to progress, the issue of water theft is on the rise. Homeowners have begun installing locks on their outdoor spigots. Now, Cal Fire is selling locks for fire hydrants. Water agencies are buying and placing the locks on fire hydrants to keep residents from stealing water.

In addition to using the locks for municipal fire hydrants, the locks are also beneficial to those who have private fire hydrants. In areas like Santa Cruz County, fire hydrants in rural areas are required to be connected to an above ground supply with 10,000 gallons of water.

“We’re just trying to provide piece of mind and an option for home owners and for water districts so that if they are worried about water theft or tampering issues they have an option of where to go for locks and caps,” Cal Fire Inspector Colleen Baxter told ABC 5.

Cal Fire is selling the locks. Residents with private hydrants can purchase the lock for $100. The rate for municipal water agencies is $200 per lock.