Water Security and WSSC Water Police FAQs

Theft of Service can include someone improperly obtaining water from a fire hydrant without a meter or obtaining water illegally by using a device that bypasses a meter in a home or business. Any theft of service or other illegal, unethical or suspicious activity or behavior can be reported 24 hours a day to the WSSC Water Police Department at 301-206-8888, or by calling the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline at 1-877-977-2392.

The Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline lets callers report theft of water or any activity they believe to be illegal, unethical or suspicious. You can contact the hotline at 1-877-WSSCFWA (1-877-977-2392) or online. Callers to the hotline, which is managed by WSSC Water's Internal Audit Office, can remain anonymous.

Illegal dumping of material or chemicals into waterways in WSSC Water's district, incidents of employee misconduct and similar situations can be reported to the hotline.

If the crime is an emergency involving danger or injury, dial 911 immediately. Otherwise, to report suspicious activity:

• Call the WSSC Water Police Department at 301-206-8888. Information will be taken and an officer will respond to investigate, or
• Call the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline toll free 1-877-WSSCFWA (1-877-977-2392). Calls are not traced and Caller ID is not used. Information from the call will be forwarded to WSSC Water Police for investigation.

No. Incidents may be reported 24 hours a day.

While obtaining water from a fire hydrant is legal in many cases, you should look for something specific to tell if water is being taken illegally. If a person or company has a hose attached to the fire hydrant, look for a fire hydrant meter. WSSC water meters come in two sizes but all have the same brass color. Most meters are connected directly to the hydrant, then to a water hose, but some may be connected directly to a water truck, with the hose leading from the meter to the hydrant.

If you see someone taking water from a fire hydrant without a fire hydrant meter, call the WSSC Water Police Department immediately at 301-206-8888. An officer will be sent to investigate.

No. While name and contact information could be helpful to obtain additional information at a later date, reports can be made anonymously.

If you find property you believe has been lost or stolen from WSSC Water, call the WSSC Water Police Department at 301-206-8888. It is illegal to possess WSSC Water property or convert it to your own use.