WEST MILFORD, W.Va. — A Harrison County man has been charged after police allege he damaged water equipment that resulted in the loss of 30,000 gallons of water in the town of West Milford.
Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department responded to a complaint of disturbance at a residence on Dec. 27 and spoke with the West Milford Director of Public Works, who was on scene looking for a leak.
While working on the leak, Michael Lowther, 42, of West Milford, was unable to stop a water leak inside the home, so he got a pry bar, opened the meter well and destroyed the meter and service lines on both sides of the meter, according to police.
Lowther then allegedly became belligerent and went inside the home after asking that the Public Works Department not be notified.
Reports indicate the water supply for the entire town had to be shut down to stop the leak.
Officials said the town lost 31,300 gallons of water valued at $2,595 in the incident.
Residents of the town endured a loss of water service for about six hours.
Lowther has been charged with destruction of property and damage to or destruction of railroad or public utility company property.
He is being held at North Central Regional Jail.