Very unlikely, especially if the line is on a loop.I had a devil of a time getting a check valve installed years ago to keep from pulling a vacuum on Pine Barren Road. (Different water system.) Couldn’t use it now anyway since the new well is up there now as best I recall.

And, actually, it wouldn’t be very hard to put something into the water — hydrant tool, old hose, small pump — say a biological or radioactive agent and months before anyone noticed, assuming even samples were properly taken and the culprit long gone. Your main security is that nobody’s very likely to do it to Century.

David for the law of averages

AND, how do you know that someone isn’t loosening the hydrant at the connections? Doing so would allow water to leak out. After several days, thousands of gallons would be missing.

To stop this stealing, place locking covers on them and give a set of keys to First Responders and the Water Department.