Junction City officials and police are on the hunt for people who are stealing some of the city’s water.

The city can’t account for about 30 percent of its water usage and has been told by the state that it is exceeding its allotted use. The city was told to control its water use or it will be sanctioned.

The police department issued a news release last week asking the public for help finding anyone who is stealing water. It says much of the missing water can be attributed to old, inaccurate meters and leakage. But police say some people apparently are taking water from public hydrants for construction or agricultural use.

The city has procedures to work with people to acquire bulk city water legally.