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Water Losses Prompt NM Town to Lock Hydrants

Ben Schumin

All of the fire hydrants in one rural New Mexico community will soon have locks on them.

Moriarty Fire Chief Steve Spann says employees with the public works division have been installing the bright red locks to prevent water thefts as well as any misuse of the hydrants that Spann's firefighters depend on.

Spann says all of his crews will have master keys to ensure the hydrants can be accessed quickly if needed.

City officials tell Albuquerque television station KOAT (http://bit.ly/UVviSS) that 2 million gallons of water were unaccounted for in one month. Officials believe thousands of gallons have gone to people who are stealing the water.

Spann says the city has been researching possible solutions and believes the locks will prevent any undue water losses, especial during this time of drought.