TasWater is investigating a string of thefts from water and sewerage sites across greater Hobart and the Derwent Valley, warning the stolen infrastructure is creating serious safety risks.
Over the past week, thieves have broken into multiple TasWater sites and taken aluminium pit lids, reservoir hatches, reservoir ladders and safety railings.
TasWater General Manager Operations Brendan Windmeyer said the organisation has reported the incidents to Tasmania Police.
“Stealing infrastructure from critical public assets is unacceptable and creates significant safety risks for our people and the wider community,” Windmeyer said.
“The items targeted in these incidents are not decorative or surplus assets.”
“They play an important role in protecting critical water and wastewater infrastructure, maintaining safe access for workers and preventing unauthorised entry to our sites.”
Windmeyer said some of the items may have been targeted for their scrap metal value, but the real cost lies in replacing them.
“While these thefts have not affected water quality, they are forcing our crews to spend valuable time repairing and replacing these assets, diverting resources away from planned maintenance and improvement works that help ensure the safe and reliable services our customers rely on every day,” he said.
TasWater said the thefts have not caused any disruption to water quality or supply, but they have left critical sites exposed and pulled crews away from scheduled work.
Windmeyer urged anyone who has seen suspicious activity around any TasWater sites to come forward.
Anyone with information can contact Tasmania Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
