Topline:
Santa Ana residents who are behind on their water bills could begin receiving water shutoff notices starting in August.
Why now: Starting as soon as August, officials will have to give delinquent customers at least 60 days after a bill non-payment before shutting off services, which hasn't been done since March 2020. Officials also have to give written notice, according to state law, which also prevents service disruptions in the case of a "serious threat to life or health and safety of a resident or severe financial hardship.”
The backstory: Pandemic-era moratoriums on shutting off water services due to non-payment have expired. Santa Ana has not shut off water supply to residents since March 2020.
Next steps: The ordinance authorizing the practice is slated to be back in front of the city council for final approval on June 4.
Read on ... for information on bill assistance options.
Santa Ana residents could soon begin receiving water shut off notices for falling behind on payments now that pandemic-era moratoriums have expired.
Starting as soon as August, officials will have to give delinquent customers at least 60 days after a bill non-payment before shutting off services, which hasn't been done since March 2020. Officials also have to also give written notice, according to state law, which also prevents service disruptions in the case of a "serious threat to life or health and safety of a resident or severe financial hardship.”
A city spokesperson said the city is currently “developing policies and procedures to ensure we comply with state law and will be sharing this with residents soon, as we begin a citywide information campaign to ensure that our community is aware of the changes to water shut offs.”
The ordinance comes back in front of the city council for final approval on June 4.
Santa Ana officials have cited the fact that federal and state funding to help delinquent residents are coming to an end as a reason for the change.
Here are resources available for Santa Ana residents who might be having trouble paying their water bills:
- Share Our Selves is a local nonprofit that provides financial assistance to individuals and families on a case-by-case basis, including for water service payments, (949) 270 2100
- Family Promise of Orange County offers assistance with water bills for families with at least one child under the age of 18, (657) 482 3798
- Low Income Household Water Assistance Program Supplemental Benefit: While the program is no longer accepting applications, those who previously applied for and received a benefit will automatically receive the supplemental help, which will show up on their water bills as a credit of $198.23.
