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Date Published: 26/04/2022

ARCHIVED - Water probe in Alicante detects theft equivalent to 7 Olympic swimming pools

ARCHIVED ARTICLE

Water company Aqualia has discovered 17 fraudulent water consumption connections in Callosa de Segura, Alicante province

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Water probe in Alicante detects theft equivalent to 7 Olympic swimming pools

Aqualia, the municipal water management company in Callosa de Segura, has detected 17 fraudulent connections and the theft of 17 million litres of water – the equivalent of seven Olympic swimming pools.

The company is carrying out an extensive campaign to monitor, control and detect possible fraudulent cases of water consumption without a meter or unauthorised "hook-ups" to the general network.

Already this year, as a result of the "different measures adopted and the technology applied", an average of one fraudulent connection a week has been discovered

When the Municipal Water Service inspectors detect a possible case of fraud, a report is drawn up and photos are taken to study the connection in detail, and to be used as evidence if court proceedings ensue. Once a potential theft is confirmed, the water is immediately cut off and the customer is notified by registered mail. If the offender does not pay up the amount defrauded, legal action is taken.

Head of the Callosa de Segura Municipal Water Service, Juan Antonio García, stressed this week that water is a valuable natural resource, in that it is limited, and its existence does not mean a free for all.

"Water is necessary for life and it is our responsibility as a management company to adopt the technical measures that guarantee its proper use. The existence of water is no guarantee of service. Behind the simple gesture of turning on a tap and being able to enjoy water in quantity and quality, there is a very complex process and a great deal of work that must be carried out by qualified professionals who know each of the phases of the integral water cycle."

Fraud detection staff carry out random inspections seven days a week using specific technology. The latest addition is a micro-camera, a device that is inserted into the drinking water pipe and detects any possible water diversion before it's registered by the meter.

The camera not only allows a real-time view of the what's going on, but also makes video recordings and photographs that can be used as evidence in court.

Aqualia is now calling for public cooperation in Callosa de Segura and is asking anybody who knows of situations of "hook-ups" or inappropriate use of wate, to report them to the company, either at the local office, or by calling the 24-hour Customer Service number 900 814 081.

Now read: Elche farmer faces fine of up to 60,000 euros for dumping lamb carcasses in ravine

Image: Aqualia

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