SB 998 provides that a customer must be at least 60 days delinquent in payment of a utility bill before the water provider may terminate his or her services. This 60-day requirement before discontinuing water service will apply to all of the district's residential customers. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SB 998?
Senate  Bill 998 (SB 998), signed into law in September 2018 and referred to as “The Water Shutoff Protection Act”, sets new restrictions on residential water service termination for non-payment of a water utility bill.

SB 998 requires all public water systems to have a written policy on water service discontinuation for non-payment which must also be available in several languages.  Specifically, the bill's provisions require the adoption of a written policy.  The policy would be applicable to all residential water customers, resulting in expanded notification procedures before service shut off for nonpayment. 

How does SB 998 impact AVHCWD Water customers?
The district currently allows 30 days prior to shut-off for non-payment;  the bill requires the district to extend the number of days of delinquency before it shuts off service to 60 days. 

This 60-day requirement before discontinuing water service will apply to all of the district’s residential customers.  Additionally, the bill prohibits discontinuation of water service if all of the following conditions are met:

1. A primary care provider certifies that discontinuation will be life-threatening or poses a  serious threat to the health and safety of a resident on the premises where service is provided; and  
2. A customer demonstrates he or she is financially unable to pay; and
3. A customer is willing to enter an alternative payment schedule.

When does SB 998 take effect?
The district must comply with SB 998 by April 1, 2020.  

Reporting Requirements
The district will be required to report the number of annual discontinuations of residential water service for inability to pay on its website and to also report this information to the State Water  Resources Control Board, where the Board will also post on its website the information reported by urban water suppliers.  

Where can I find a copy of the district's SB 998 Water Shutoff Policy?
The district's water shutoff policy is available by request.  Please contact our office at 760-247-1101.