Water Service System Violation
Chapter 3.36 of the Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) Codes and Ordinances Title 3 provides for administrative penalties for water theft and hydrant meter damage, and other observations. A copy of the Code can be found at https://www.mcwd.org/governance_codes.html, or by calling MCWD Customer Services at (831) 384-6131 or (831) 883-5900.
Public Disclosure Requirements
Customers should be aware that under the California Public Records Act (Section 6254.16(d) of Government Code 6250, et seq.) MCWD is required to release the name, home address and water use data of customers using water in violation of MCWD's regulations and ordinance if that data is requested pursuant to a Public Records Act request. The relevant section is Government Code Section 6254.16(d) of the Public Records Act.
If MCWD receives a valid public records request for information about violations of its water theft penalty ordinance, MCWD will comply and the media may publish that information. MCWD understands customers' concerns about their private information and will only release information which is required to be released by law. MCWD takes customer privacy very seriously and has a practice of never voluntarily releasing customer information to a third party unless required by law.
Ordinance Enforcement
Violating MCWD's water theft ordinance is a misdemeanor in accordance with California Water Code section 377 and MCWD has the option to take enforcement actions. If the violation is not corrected by the deadline stated in this notice, the District may take one or more of the following actions:
- Issue additional written notices
- Refuse to initiate water service
- Terminate existing water service
- Abate the violation as a public nuisance
- Impose a use fee equal to four times the regular water rate for each unit (hcf) of water estimated to be wasted
Appeal a Water Theft Penalty
If you wish to appeal this penalty, please fill out the appeal form (below) and follow these guidelines:
- Please include photos or other evidence supporting your appeal.
- The appeal must be signed and dated by the appellant/account holder.
- Incomplete or unreadable appeals will be denied.
- Your appeal must be post-marked within 15 calendar days of the date of the District's Notice of Violation.
- You will receive a response from the District within 30 days of the District's receipt of your appeal.
- Appeal must be mailed. Emails or faxes are not accepted.
Download and Complete the
Water Service System Violation Notice Appeal Form PDF
Mail appeal to:
MCWD Water Theft Penalty Ordinance Appeals
c/o MCWD Customer Services Division
920 2nd Avenue, Suite B, Marina, CA 93933