South Carolina § 5-31-1140 - Unauthorized use of water.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 5-31-1140 — Unauthorized use of water., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-31-1140. Unauthorized use of water.
Any person who has a contract, agreement, license or permission, oral or written, with or from any municipality or the commissioners of public works thereof or other body charged with the duties of commissioners of public works in municipalities which have no such commissioners for the use of water belonging to or furnished by any such municipality, commissioners of public works or other such body, for certain specified purposes, who shall willfully and intentionally withdraw or cause to be withdrawn water in any manner and appropriate it to his own use or to the use of any other person, for purposes other than those specified, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in SECTION 5-31-1170. Any such person to whom such water is furnished from or by means of a meter, who shall, willfully and with intention to cheat and defraud any such municipality, commissioners or other such body, alter or interfere with such meter or by any contrivance whatsoever withdraw or take off water in any manner except through such meter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and be punished as provided in said section.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 59-424; 1952 Code SECTION 59-424; 1942 Code SECTION 1203; 1932 Code SECTION 1203; 1925 (34) 98.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 5-31-1140
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 5-31-1140 cover?
Section 5-31-1140 ("Unauthorized use of water.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 5-31-1140?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 5-31-1140" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 5-31-1140 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.