Encinitas Municipal Code Title APPC Appendix C – Discontinuation of Water Service Policy

San Dieguito Water District (District) may discontinue residential water service for customers who fail to make payment in accordance with the terms of the Discontinuation of Water Service Policy (Policy).

Purpose

This Policy has been established to adhere to the laws regarding discontinuation of water service for residential customers due to non-payment of their water bill as set forth by Government Code § 60370 et seq. and Health & Safety Code § 116900 et seq. (California Senate Bill 998).

Scope

This policy governs all residential water service bills calculated and delivered by the District that are in a delinquent status and scheduled for discontinuation.

Procedure

1. Delinquent Accounts.

A. On the 27th day after the bill date, a reminder notice is mailed to the customer of record. This notice will indicate that the District intends to discontinue water service for nonpayment if not paid by the 79th day.

B. On the 46th day after the bill date, an automated phone call is sent to the phone number(s) on file informing the customer that their account is in a delinquent status, a late fee will be assessed, and that the customer may request a copy of this policy.

C. On the 48th day after the bill date, a late fee is assessed to the account and a notice is sent to the service address informing the occupant(s) that service will be discontinued in 32 days due to non-payment of the water bill. If service is provided by a master meter and the District is unable to provide notice to the occupants by mail, the District will make an alternative good faith effort to provide the notice to the occupants by posting copies at the premises. The notice will inform the occupants that they have the right to become customers of the District without being required to pay the amount due on the delinquent account. Terms and conditions for occupants to become customers of the District are provided in Section 4 below.

D. On the 67th day after the bill date, an automated phone call is sent to the phone number(s) on file informing the customer that their account is still in a delinquent status and the water service will be discontinued if it remains unpaid.

E. If the District is unable to make contact with the customer by phone, an urgent notice will be posted at the property on the 75th day after the bill date with a copy of this Policy.

F. On the 80th day after the bill date, the District will discontinue water service for nonpayment.

2. Circumstances Under Which Water Service Will Not Be Discontinued.

A. The customer, or a tenant of the customer, submits certification from a primary care provider that discontinuation of water service would be life threatening or pose a serious threat to the health and safety of a resident of the premises; AND

B. The customer is financially unable to pay within a normal billing cycle. This can be shown by either:

1. Demonstrating that someone in the household is a recipient of one of the following programs:

2. Or declaring under penalty of perjury that household income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level; AND

C. The customer is willing to enter into a payment arrangement with respect to the delinquent charges.

For customers who meet all of the above conditions, the District will offer a payment arrangement to the customer.

The customer is responsible for demonstrating that the above conditions have been met. Upon receipt of documentation from the customer, the District will review the documentation within 7 days and either: (1) request the customer’s signed assent to participate in the payment arrangement; (2) request additional information from the customer; or (3) notify the customer that he or she does not meet the above conditions.

The District may discontinue water service if a customer who has been granted a payment arrangement under this section fails to do any of the following for 60 days or more: (a) to make on-time payments for any amount due under the payment arrangement or (b) to make on-time payments for his or her current charges for water service. The District will post a final notice of intent to discontinue service in a prominent and conspicuous location at the service address at least 5 business days before discontinuation of service. The final notice will not entitle the customer to any investigation or review by the District.

A. Payment is made at the District Office.

B. Payment is made online and a confirmation number is provided and payment is verified by the District.

4. Procedures for Occupants or Tenants to Become Customers of the District.