ACWA-Sponsored Water Theft Bill Signed by Governor by ACWA Staff Oct 13, 2025 Water News Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 10 signed an ACWA-sponsored bill into law that will strengthen water agencies’ ability to protect against water theft. SB 394 (Allen), co-sponsored with Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, will allow local water agencies to adopt an ordinance with enhanced penalties for water theft from a fire hydrant. Additionally, the bill will remove the one-year reset on existing penalties for the third and additional violations for water theft committed via meter tampering and other methods. It will also help agencies recover damages by authorizing utilities to pursue civil remedies against any person who tampers with or diverts water from a fire hydrant without authorization. ACWA and member agencies’ strong advocacy and coalition building throughout the legislative session helped secure passage of the bill through both houses of the Legislature and garner support from the governor. More information about bill outcomes this legislative session is available in an ACWA Advisory distributed last month. Member login is required.
