Birmingham Water Utility Employee Theft: Facts & Next Steps

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Birmingham Water Works / Central Alabama Water • employee theft facts • customer next steps • payment safety

What Customers Should Do After the Birmingham Water Utility Employee Theft Reports

Public reports about Birmingham Water Works employee theft can make customers wonder whether their bill, payment, account data or water service is affected. This guide separates the confirmed facts from rumors, explains the reported copper and inventory-control issues, shows how to protect your utility account, and gives practical next steps for payments, suspicious calls, public-records requests, billing disputes and fraud reporting.

Known Facts Official Account Portal Call 205-244-4000 Customer Next Steps

Quick Answer: What Happened and What Should a Customer Do?

The public reporting does not describe stolen customer payments or a customer-data breach. The reported incident centers on alleged theft of copper and copper-related utility property from the former Birmingham Water Works Board warehouse, plus audit findings about weak inventory and equipment controls. Customers should still protect themselves because major utility controversies often create confusion that scammers can exploit.

Customer Care205-244-4000
Payment Center101 35th St. N
Portalweb.bwwb.org/myaccount
Current NameCentral Alabama Water
Concern
What the public record says
What to do next
What not to assume
Was customer bill-payment money reported stolen?
The cited 2025 public reports focus on copper/copper-related property and inventory controls, not customer payment theft.
Check your account payment history and bank/card statement anyway, especially if you recently paid by drop box, phone, portal, PayPal or third-party route.
Do not assume your individual payment was stolen without account-specific proof.
Was customer personal data reported compromised?
The cited reports do not describe a customer-data breach.
Treat unsolicited calls, texts or emails about “the theft” as suspicious until verified through 205-244-4000 or the official portal.
Do not give Social Security, bank login, full card number or one-time code to an inbound caller.
Was this one employee or a group?
WBRC reported that the internal investigation identified team members allegedly colluding as a group to bypass supply verification/documentation processes.
Follow official updates and law-enforcement status; avoid naming or accusing individuals unless charges/records identify them.
Do not post employee names online based on rumor.
How much was involved?
WBRC reported a source said the copper value could be close to $2 million, while police confirmed only that an investigation had launched.
Use “reported” and “alleged” language unless an official charging document or judgment provides a final amount.
Do not state a final loss amount as proven if the case remains unresolved.
What did the state review say?
The limited review said lack of policies and inadequate internal controls contributed to at least two known incidents of potential employee theft.
Look for corrective-action updates, policies, audit reports, financial reports and board-meeting materials.
Do not treat every billing issue as theft; billing disputes need account evidence.
Who runs the utility now?
The utility has been restructured and does business as Central Alabama Water after Act 2025-297.
Use current Central Alabama Water/Birmingham Water Works customer routes for payment and account help.
Do not pay a website or caller simply because they use the old or new name.

Safe wording for this story: “Public reports say Birmingham Police investigated alleged employee theft of copper-related utility property, and a state limited review later criticized inventory and internal-control weaknesses.” This avoids overstating guilt, final loss amount or customer impact.

Verified Timeline: Employee Theft Reports, Audit Findings and Utility Name Change

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June 2025 report

WBRC reported that Birmingham Police were investigating alleged theft of copper and copper-related property by Birmingham Water Works Board employees after an internal investigation.

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Audit issue

The later limited state review identified lack of policies and inadequate internal controls as a finding and connected those weaknesses to potential employee theft risk.

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Current utility name

The organization now operates as Central Alabama Water, while many customer pages and legacy links still reference Birmingham Water Works.

Date / period
Event
Why it matters to customers
How to verify
May 1, 2023-May 31, 2025
Period covered by the state limited review of the Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham.
The review looked at board activities, internal controls and compliance, not an individual customer’s bill.
Search Alabama Examiners of Public Accounts audit reports and CAW financial/report pages.
May 7, 2025
Act 2025-297 took effect, restructuring the utility governance.
Customers may see old BWWB references and new Central Alabama Water branding at the same time.
Check Central Alabama Water official pages and reports.
June 3, 2025
WBRC reported police investigation of alleged copper/copper-related property theft by BWWB employees.
The reported theft involved utility material/inventory, not a confirmed customer-payment theft in the cited report.
Read the news report and look for official police/court updates before repeating names or amounts.
June 24, 2025
The board voted to rename the organization to City of Birmingham Regional Water Works, doing business as Central Alabama Water.
Customers should expect some overlap between BWWB, Birmingham Water Works and CAW naming.
Use official Central Alabama Water / BWWB domains, not sponsored lookalike sites.
December 5, 2025
State limited review findings were reported, including inadequate internal controls, unapproved sick-leave payout, bid-law issue and director expense allowance issue.
Internal-control findings explain how asset tracking failed, but they do not replace your account-specific bill review.
Use the Examiners report database, CAW financial report page and public-records request route.
2026
Customers continue paying and managing accounts through the official customer portal and customer-care phone.
Do not delay bill payment because of the investigation; unresolved balances can still trigger disconnection rules.
Call 205-244-4000 or use the official portal.

Important distinction: a governance audit and a criminal investigation are not the same thing. The audit describes controls, policies and findings; criminal liability depends on law-enforcement investigation, charging decisions and court outcomes.

Useful source routes:

June 2025 Copper-Theft Report December 2025 Audit Report Coverage State Audit Search CAW Financial Reports

What Is Not Confirmed: Avoid Rumors, Defamation and Payment Panic

Do not name suspects from rumor

Unless an official charge, court record or agency statement identifies someone, avoid publishing employee names, job titles or personal details.

Do not claim customer-payment theft

The public reports reviewed for this page describe utility property/inventory issues, not stolen customer payments.

Do not stop paying

Billing and disconnection rules still apply. Pay through official routes and document the payment instead of withholding payment because of headlines.

Claim you may hear
Safer way to write it
Why this protects readers
“Employees stole $2 million.”
“A news source reported the value could be close to $2 million, while the investigation was ongoing.”
The final amount may depend on police, audit, insurance, recovery and court records.
“My water bill is high because of employee theft.”
“A high bill should be reviewed through account history, meter reading, usage, sewer, leaks, prior balance and fees.”
Billing errors and theft reports are different issues unless directly connected by evidence.
“The current utility stole from customers.”
“The current organization says the audit findings relate to predecessor actions before the 2025 restructuring.”
It avoids overbroad claims about current staff and helps readers focus on documents.
“Everyone who paid recently is at risk.”
“Customers should verify their own payment history and bank/card activity.”
The cited reports do not confirm a customer-payment breach.
“The audit proves criminal guilt.”
“The audit criticized policies/internal controls and cited potential employee theft incidents.”
Audits make findings and recommendations; courts determine criminal guilt.

Customer Next Steps: Account, Payment, Bank Statement and Scam Check

Use only official payment routes

Log in at web.bwwb.org/myaccount or start from the official Central Alabama Water payment options page. Avoid links sent by text, social media, caller ID spoofing or search ads that do not match the official utility domain.

Compare payment history with bank/card activity

Open your online water account and compare the payment date, amount and confirmation number with your bank, card, PayPal or Walmart receipt. Save screenshots or PDFs of both sides.

Check for unrelated high-bill causes

If your bill is high, request a meter re-read, check usage in CCF, inspect toilets and outside lines, and separate water, sewer, base charges, prior balance, late fees and returned-payment fees.

Call before a disconnection deadline

Customer FAQs say past-due accounts can be subject to disconnection and that a full payment or approved arrangement is needed once an account is in disconnect status. Call 205-244-4000 if a payment is urgent.

Report suspicious calls or fake collection demands

If someone uses the theft story to demand gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, personal codes or immediate payment through an unfamiliar link, hang up and call the official customer-care number yourself.

Customer situation
Do this first
Proof to save
Who to contact
Payment made but not showing
Wait for stated posting window, then call with confirmation.
Receipt, confirmation number, account number, payment method, bank/card screenshot.
Customer Care 205-244-4000.
Duplicate payment
Compare utility portal history with bank/card statement.
Both charge dates, card/bank record, water-account screenshots.
Customer Care and bank/card issuer if needed.
Suspicious phone call demanding payment
Hang up and call the utility directly.
Caller ID, time, voicemail, text screenshot, payment demand details.
205-244-4000; FTC ReportFraud if scam attempt.
Identity theft or account opened without permission
Secure bank/card accounts and document the false account/activity.
Utility bill, ID theft report, correspondence and dates.
IdentityTheft.gov, local police, utility customer care.
High water bill
Request meter re-read and check current meter reading yourself.
Meter photo, bill, usage calculation, plumber/leak proof.
205-244-4000; automated option for re-read if available.
Need help paying
Ask for due-date extension or payment plan before disconnect status.
Bill, income/assistance documents, household details if applying.
Customer Care or H2O Foundation 205-244-4390.
Customer-care script: “My account is [account number] at [service address]. Because of public theft/audit reports, I am verifying my own account only. I paid [amount] on [date] by [method], confirmation [number]. Please confirm whether the payment posted, whether any balance is still due, and whether my account has any unusual adjustments, returned payments or disconnect status.”

Official Payment and Billing Routes Customers Should Use

Customer portal

Use the online portal to view and pay your bill, view usage, activate paperless billing, use autopay, and transfer or stop service.

Customer Care

Call 205-244-4000 for payment options, billing issues, extensions, re-reads and payment-plan questions.

Payment Center

Customer Payment Center is listed at 101 35th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222.

Past due

If your account is in disconnect status, partial payment alone may not keep water on unless a payment arrangement was made.

Official route
How to use it safely
What to check
Red flag
Online customer portal
Type web.bwwb.org/myaccount yourself or start from the official CAW/BWWB site.
Service address, account number, balance, payment method, confirmation.
Text link that asks for one-time code, bank login or gift-card payment.
Phone payment / customer service
Call the official number yourself: 205-244-4000.
Prompt menu, account number, payment confirmation.
Inbound caller threatening immediate shutoff unless you pay through unfamiliar app.
Lobby / drive-thru
Use the Customer Payment Center at 101 35th Street North during listed hours.
Receipt, date, account number and payment method.
Anyone outside offering to “take” your payment for you.
Drop box
Use only the official drop box and keep proof of check/money order.
Check number, photo of envelope/stub, date and time dropped.
Cash in a drop box or a box that looks damaged, moved or unofficial.
Walmart Money Center
Use the payee exactly as listed by the utility and keep Walmart receipt.
Posting time, account number and service address.
Agent cannot print a receipt or asks for unrelated personal information.
PayPal
Use the official payment instructions; search for Birmingham Water Works only through PayPal’s bill-pay route.
Payee name, account number and confirmation.
Someone asks you to send money to a personal PayPal/Venmo handle.
Mail
Mail only to the official payment address listed on your bill or official payment page.
Check number, mail date and bill stub copy.
New “urgent” address sent by text/email only.

Official billing links:

Payment Options Manage My Account Billing FAQ #BillBetter Resources Call 205-244-4000

If Your Bill Looks Wrong: Re-Read, Leak Check, Account History and Payment Plan

Request meter re-read

Customer FAQs say customers can request a re-read through the website, the automated phone options, or a customer-service representative.

Calculate CCF

Usage is measured in CCF. To convert CCF to gallons, multiply by 748.

Ask early

If you cannot pay in full, call 205-244-4000 before disconnect status to ask about extension or payment plan.

Billing issue
Steps to take
Evidence that helps
Why it matters
Unexpected high bill
Read meter, compare to bill, request re-read, inspect leaks.
Meter photo, bill copy, prior bills, plumber invoice.
A high bill needs account facts, not broad theft assumptions.
Vacant property has usage
Check for leaks, open hose bibs, irrigation and unauthorized use.
Photos, shutoff valve status, property access records.
Base charge may still apply even with no usage; usage on vacant home suggests leak or use.
Payment arrangement needed
Call before missing installment or deadline.
Arrangement terms, due dates, payment receipts.
FAQs say missed installment can fast-track the account back into disconnection status.
Returned check problem
Ask what replacement payment methods are required.
Bank return notice, utility notice, replacement receipt.
FAQs say customers may not be allowed to write another check for 12 months after returned check.
Disconnected service
Ask exact full amount, reconnection fee and after-hours fee if applicable.
Notice, account history, payment proof.
FAQs list full bill plus reconnect fee to restore service.
Need bill assistance
Ask Customer Care and H2O Foundation about eligibility.
Past-due bill, household documents, leak/plumbing issue proof if relevant.
Assistance may depend on criteria and funding.
Meter re-read script: “My account is [account number]. My current bill shows [CCF] and prior reading [reading]. I read the meter today at [reading] and took a photo. Please request a re-read and tell me whether any estimate, leak, prior balance, sewer charge or fee is included.”

How to Report Suspicious Activity, Fraud, Identity Theft or Public-Corruption Concerns

Emergency or active crime

Call 911 if a crime is in progress, someone is in danger or there is an active emergency.

Customer account fraud

Call the utility, your bank/card issuer, and file the appropriate FTC report if your identity or payment method was misused.

Audit or public records

Use the Alabama Examiners audit search and CAW/BWWB public-records request process for documents.

What you saw
First action
Official route
Notes
Fake payment link, fake utility caller or scam demand
Do not pay. Screenshot the message and call the utility number yourself.
205-244-4000 and FTC ReportFraud.gov.
Do not call back the number in the suspicious message.
Identity theft / someone used your personal information
Secure accounts and create an identity-theft recovery record.
IdentityTheft.gov.
Also contact banks, card issuers and any business where fraud occurred.
Consumer complaint about billing or business practice
Document facts and attempt utility resolution first.
Alabama Attorney General Consumer Complaint.
The Attorney General may not act as your private attorney.
Potential public-resource fraud or audit concern
Collect documents, dates, names, invoices, photos and records.
Alabama Examiners of Public Accounts report-fraud route and audit database.
Use factual language and attach proof.
Local criminal theft evidence
Do not confront anyone; preserve evidence.
Birmingham Police Department or local law enforcement.
Use non-emergency reporting for non-urgent evidence; call 911 for active crimes.
Utility records request
Make a narrow, written public-records request.
BWWB/CAW Public Records Request form and policy.
Alabama residency, ID, specificity and fees can matter.

Official reporting and complaint routes:

Birmingham Police Contact BPD Investigative Bureau FTC Report Fraud IdentityTheft.gov Alabama AG Consumer Complaint Examiners Report Fraud

How to Follow the Audit, Records and Corrective-Action Trail

Audit database

Use Alabama Examiners of Public Accounts audit search for reports issued in the last five years.

CAW reports

Central Alabama Water posts financial statements, audits, budgets, staffing and professional-services reports under Act 2025-297 reporting requirements.

Public-records request

The utility’s public-records policy says Alabama citizens may request public records unless exempt, using the Public Records Request Form.

Record to look for
Why it helps
Suggested wording
Where to start
State limited review / audit report
Shows official findings, scope and recommendations.
“Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham limited review, filed Dec. 5, 2025.”
Alabama Examiners audit search.
Corrective-action documents
Shows what the utility changed after findings.
“Policies, procedures, board actions or corrective plans adopted in response to the 2025 limited review.”
CAW reports and public-records request.
Inventory/warehouse policy
Shows how assets are tracked now.
“Current warehouse inventory, equipment tracking and material release policies.”
Public-records request.
Board minutes
Shows public board action and votes.
“Minutes and agenda packets for meetings discussing audit, warehouse security or corrective action.”
CAW/BWWB board records.
Financial reports
Shows budgets, monthly financials and audited financial statements.
“Monthly financial statements and audit reports for 2025-2026.”
CAW Financial Reports page.
Police or court case records
Shows criminal-case status if charges are filed.
Use case number, defendant name and date once official case information is available.
Birmingham Police, municipal/county/state court records as applicable.

Public-records tip: ask for a narrow record category, date range and format. Broad requests such as “all records about theft” may be delayed, costly or denied as vague. A better request is “board minutes and agenda packets from June 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 that discuss warehouse theft, inventory controls, audit findings or corrective-action policies.”

Official record routes:

CAW / BWWB Policies Public Records Request Form Public Records Policy Financial Reports Audit Reports Search

If You Are an Employee, Vendor, Contractor or Witness

Preserve, do not alter

Do not delete, edit, backdate or “clean up” emails, invoices, logs, inventory documents, text messages or photos.

Use proper channels

Report internally only through authorized compliance/supervisory routes, and contact law enforcement or counsel if the matter may be criminal.

Protect private data

Do not share customer account numbers, employee records, private addresses, HR files or security layouts on social media.

Role
Safe next step
Evidence to preserve
Do not do
Current employee
Use internal reporting, HR/compliance route, supervisor route or legal counsel depending on facts.
Dates, work orders, inventory logs, purchase records, access logs, emails.
Do not accuse coworkers publicly or remove original records.
Former employee
Preserve records you lawfully possess and consult counsel if asked for interview or documents.
Employment dates, job duties, communication records, notices.
Do not disclose confidential or personal customer information online.
Vendor / recycler / scrap buyer
Preserve transaction records and respond only through appropriate legal/business channels.
Receipts, IDs, weights, dates, purchase orders, delivery photos.
Do not destroy transaction logs or alter invoice descriptions.
Contractor
Keep chain-of-custody and material issue/return records organized.
Job number, quantities, work order, supervisor approval, return tickets.
Do not commingle job materials with personal inventory.
Customer witness
Document what you observed and report to the proper authority if relevant.
Photos, dates, vehicle descriptions, location, names if known.
Do not confront suspected individuals or trespass to gather evidence.

Legal note: this article is a public-information guide, not legal advice. Anyone directly involved in an investigation, employment action, subpoena, interview, charge, discipline, vendor dispute or records demand should contact a qualified attorney.

Map: Birmingham Customer Service and Payment Center

Use this map for the customer payment center listed in the Birmingham Water Works FAQ: 101 35th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222. For account questions, call Customer Care at 205-244-4000 before visiting if the issue involves disconnection, a payment plan, suspicious activity or a missing payment.

Route
Official detail
Use for
Customer Payment Center
101 35th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222.
Lobby, drive-thru, customer service and payment questions.
Customer Care
205-244-4000.
Billing, payment, portal, re-read, payment-plan and disconnect questions.
Online customer portal
web.bwwb.org/myaccount.
View/pay bill, usage, paperless billing, autopay, transfer/stop service.
Lobby hours
Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM.
In-person account help and payment.
Drive-thru hours
Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM.
Payment without going inside.
Drop box
Available 24 hours; payments post next business day.
After-hours payment by secure non-cash method.
Public Relations public-records form address
3600 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35222.
Public-records requests using the official form/policy.
H2O Foundation
205-244-4390.
Potential bill/plumbing repair assistance for qualifying customers.

Birmingham Water Utility Employee Theft FAQ

What is the Birmingham Water Utility employee theft story about?

Public reporting in June 2025 said Birmingham Police were investigating alleged theft of copper and copper-related property by Birmingham Water Works Board employees after an internal investigation found team members allegedly bypassed supply verification and documentation processes.

Was customer bill-payment money reported stolen?

The public reports reviewed for this guide describe alleged theft of utility property and inventory-control weaknesses. They do not report confirmed theft of customer bill-payment money or a customer-data breach.

How much copper was allegedly stolen?

WBRC reported that a source said the value could be close to $2 million, while the investigation was ongoing and Birmingham Police confirmed only that a criminal investigation had launched. Customers should use “reported” or “alleged” language unless official case documents prove a final amount.

What did the state audit say about employee theft?

The limited state review said lack of policies and inadequate internal controls contributed to at least two known incidents of potential employee theft, and that formal policies were lacking for tracking inventory, equipment purchases and equipment usage.

Is Birmingham Water Works now Central Alabama Water?

Yes. After Act 2025-297, the former Birmingham Water Works Board structure changed, and the organization now does business as Central Alabama Water. Customers may still see both BWWB/Birmingham Water Works and Central Alabama Water names on official pages and documents.

Should I stop paying my water bill because of the theft reports?

No. Use official payment routes and keep confirmation records. Past-due and disconnection rules still apply, and unresolved balances can affect service even while broader governance or theft investigations continue.

How do I check whether my Birmingham water payment posted?

Log in to the official customer portal at web.bwwb.org/myaccount or call Customer Care at 205-244-4000. Compare portal payment history with your bank, card, PayPal, Walmart, mail or drop-box receipt.

What should I do if a caller uses the theft story to demand payment?

Hang up, do not click links, do not share one-time codes or full banking details, and call 205-244-4000 yourself. Report scam attempts to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact your bank/card issuer if you paid or shared financial information.

How can I request Birmingham Water Works or Central Alabama Water records?

Use the official public-records policy and request form. The form says Alabama citizens may request to inspect and copy public records unless exempt, and requests should be specific. Fees, ID and Alabama residency proof may be required.

Who should I call about a high bill after reading about the theft?

Call Customer Care at 205-244-4000. Ask for a meter re-read, review your CCF usage, compare the meter with the bill, check for leaks, and separate water, sewer, base charges, late fees, returned payments and prior balance before linking the bill to any theft report.

30-Second Checklist

Facts: public reports describe alleged copper/copper-related property theft and weak inventory controls, not confirmed customer-payment theft.

Pay safely: use web.bwwb.org/myaccount, official payment pages, or 205-244-4000. Do not use payment links from unsolicited texts or calls.

Check your account: compare payment history, bank/card statements, confirmation numbers, bill usage, re-read requests and prior balances.

Report problems: call Customer Care for billing, use FTC/IdentityTheft.gov for consumer scams or identity theft, and use police/law-enforcement routes for criminal evidence.

Follow records: use CAW financial reports, Alabama Examiners audit search and the BWWB/CAW public-records request form for documents.

Water Bill Payment, Leak & Utility Help Toolkit

Use this free helper to find the official water bill portal, avoid unsafe payment pages, handle late bills, troubleshoot high usage, prepare start/stop service documents, and contact the utility office with the right details.

Find official payment pages safely
Prepare before late fees or shutoff
Check high bill and leak causes
Useful on every city water guide

Official Water Bill Portal Finder

Enter your city, state, and utility name. This tool creates safe search shortcuts for the official bill pay portal, customer service page, outage line, and start/stop service page.

Safety tip: Use the official city, county, or utility website when paying a water bill. Do not enter card or bank details on a page that only looks like a payment portal but does not clearly identify the official utility.

Safe Water Bill Payment Checklist

Before paying online, use this checklist to reduce the risk of wrong payment, duplicate payment, missed receipt, or third-party confusion.

Important: Some official utilities use third-party processors. That can be normal, but the payment processor should be linked from the official utility website and show clear fee/payment details.

Late Bill, Shutoff Notice & Reconnection Action Plan

Select your situation and get practical next steps. This helps users act quickly without guessing.

Do not wait: If you received a shutoff notice, online payment alone may not stop disconnection. Call the utility billing office and save your confirmation number.

High Water Bill & Leak Troubleshooter

A high bill can be caused by leaks, irrigation, estimated readings, seasonal use, or account/meter issues. Choose the closest problem below.

Quick leak test Turn off all water, then check whether the meter still moves.
Toilet check Put food coloring in tank. If color reaches bowl without flushing, there may be a leak.
Ask utility Request usage history, meter reread, leak adjustment policy, and payment arrangement options.

Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service Checklist

Moving in or out? Choose your situation and prepare the details most utilities commonly request.

Your preparation checklist

Move-out tip: Ask for a final meter read, final bill date, refund/deposit process, and confirmation number when stopping service.

Payment Assistance & Arrangement Finder

If you cannot pay the full water bill, this guide helps you decide what to ask before disconnection or extra fees.

Helpful document list: Keep your account number, photo ID, service address, bill copy, shutoff notice, income proof if needed, repair receipt if leak-related, and payment confirmation numbers.

Water Department Call Script Generator

Generate a clear call or email script before contacting the utility billing office.

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