City of St. Joseph Issues Warning on Unauthorized Fire Hydrant Use

ST. JOSEPH, TENNESSEE – The City of St. Joseph is putting companies, contractors, organizations, and individuals on notice: taking water from a city fire hydrant without authorization is theft, and it will not be tolerated.
Today, City officials discovered an out of town lawn care company illegally hooking up to a city fire hydrant and taking water without permission. This conduct is unlawful, unacceptable, and especially serious during the current drought conditions affecting our community.
Fire hydrants are part of the City’s public safety infrastructure. Unauthorized use can damage hydrants, affect water pressure, interfere with fire protection, and place an unfair burden on law-abiding taxpayers and utility customers.
Any company, contractor, organization, or individual needing access to city water must contact City Hall and receive approval before using any city hydrant or other city water source.
If you are caught taking water from a city fire hydrant without authorization, you will be required to pay for the water taken, and the City will pursue prosecution when appropriate.
Residents are encouraged to remain alert. If you believe you see someone unlawfully taking water from a fire hydrant, please report it immediately by calling 845-4141.
The City of St. Joseph will continue protecting its water system, public safety resources, and taxpayers from unauthorized use and abuse.