WM Utility raises fines for tampering with water meters
Director clarifies recent update to decades old policy
By DON WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
West Memphis Utilities is setting the record straight on a long-standing policy regarding water service shut-offs and turn-ons. Despite grumblings from residents, Director Bob Atkins emphasizes that there has been no actual policy change; just a renewed effort to protect costly equipment and educate customers about proper procedures.
“This has been the policy for a long time,” Atkins explained. “But before the new meters, it wasn’t a big deal. Now, we’re seeing damage to expensive equipment, and we need to deter people from doing that.”
The issue at hand is the city’s updated water meters,, which come with a wireless transmission system. Customers attempting to turn their water on or off at the meter risk damaging sensitive equipment, leading to costly repairs. Previously, the fine for tampering with the meter was $50, but after repeated incidents, the West Memphis Utility Commission raised the fine to $250. Atkins compared the situation to electrical service, pointing out that no one would attempt to shut off their own power at the street. “If you wanted to turn your elecctricity off, would
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you go out and mess with the transformer?” he asked. “Probably not. That’s essentially what some people are doing with their water meters.”
Atkins noted that continued repair expenses could eventually lead to higher utility rates for everyone. “Right now, we’re covering it within our rates, but if it keeps happening, it’s going to affect customers citywide,” he said.
To avoid fines and damage, West Mem phis Utilities is encouraging residents to install personal shut-off valves on their property, as required by Arkansas State Plumbing Code. If a shut-off valve is not already in place, a licen sed plumber can install one, allowing homeowners direct control over their water service without interfering with cityowned equipment.
For those who need their water turned on or off, the utility department offers 24/7 service at no extra cost. Whether it’s the middle of the night, a weekend, or a holiday, a service truck can be dispatched within 30 minutes to assist residents. “There’s no charge for after-hours calls,” Atkins confirmed. “We’re here to help, and we want people to call us instead of taking matters into their own hands.”
Additionally, the utility department is reminding residents to be mindful of their water meters when mowing, landscaping or doing construction work near them. Damage to a meter base can result in costly repairs, potentially leavingcustomers without water until a licensed plumber makes the necessary fixes.
Atkins stressed that the goal isn’t to penalize customers but to protect infrastructure and keep utility services running smoothly. ‘It’s about education,” he said. “This policy has been in place for years, but a lot of people don’t know about it. We’re just trying to make sure everyone uunderstands so we can prevent unnecessary damage and costs.”
For questions or assistance, residents can contact West Memphis Utilities at 870-7353355.
