South Valley district eyes $1K fine for water thieves

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- One South Valley community may soon hand out hefty fines to put a stop to any growers who are stealing water.

The Lindmore Irrigation District is located between Lindsay and Strathmore and supplies many local citrus growers. This year, farmers will have to pay 10 times more for water than they did last year because of the extreme water shortage during the drought.

The district is proposing at least a $1,000 fine to anyone caught stealing water.

"I noticed the ones who have taken are typically farmers who lease property. They are not farmers who own property," said Michael Hagman with the district.

The Lindmore Irrigation District is holding a hearing on Tuesday to talk about the fines. The public is invited to attend.