Phoenix postpones water shut-offs to non-paying customers

PHOENIX – Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases, the City of Phoenix has decided to postpone its plan to resume water shutoffs for delinquent accounts beginning in February, although no new date has been set.

In March 2020, due to the pandemic, the city restored water service to all delinquent accounts and postponed shut-offs to those single-family residential customers. During that time, the city has offered several solutions to assist customers who are unable to pay their municipal utility bills.

The City of Phoenix reported that the city will continue to provide low-flow service to customers in non-payment status who do not participate in the financial assistance programs. That is, such users will be offered reduced water pressure while they resolve their delinquent accounts.

In addition, the City Council voted to permanently stop charging late fees to single-family residential customers after water service is placed on low flow or shut off.

In early January, the city made it known that beginning in the first month of 2022, it would begin a process to notify customers with accounts over 31 days past due that water shutoffs would be resumed in February.

Also, it was reported that funds have been allocated for residential service assistance to support customers. Phoenix Water Services currently pays two-thirds of an outstanding city utility bill for qualifying accounts, once the user covers one-third of his or her debt.

Currently, it is estimated that approximately 17,000 residential accounts are owed by the city, which equates to approximately $10 million.

Customers who receive a shut-off notice from the City of Phoenix should call Customer Service to speak with a representative and pay the balance due on their bill.

Source: MEXICO-NOW Staff