Cal Water secures funding to relieve customers of past-due water bill debt

California Water Service (Cal Water) customers will soon see relief on past-due water bills accumulated during the pandemic. Cal Water has secured funds from the California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program, administered by the State Water Resources Control Board.

In late November 2021, Cal Water had requested $20.8 million in relief for customers across its California service areas. The utility received 100 percent of the requested amount and will apply credits to affected customers’ accounts within two months. Cal Water plans to notify those receiving credits directly in February.

“While COVID-19 has affected our customers in a number of ways, we are pleased to provide this assistance to those who continue to experience financial hardship,” said Martin A. Kropelnicki, President and CEO. “We sincerely thank Congress for making these funds available, the California Legislature and Governor Newsom for establishing this important program, and the State Water Resources Control Board for administering the plan. We are here to support our customers and help relieve some of the stress caused by the pandemic.”

Customers with remaining balances that pre-date the pandemic or have accrued after June 15, 2021, can take advantage of Cal Water’s interest- and penalty-free payment plans or extensions, subject to certain terms and conditions, helping to prevent them from becoming subject to potential disruptions in water service in the future. Income-eligible customers may also enroll in Cal Water’s Customer Assistance Program, which provides qualifying customers with a discount on their monthly service charge.

Additional information may be obtained online at www.calwater.com.