COVID-19 Customer Relief Measures

Back to Announcements Published on 03/25/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

District takes measures to relieve customers’ financial strain during crisis

Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District continues to adjust its response to evolving staff and customer needs during the current pandemic. We recognize that with Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation and the restriction of many everyday activities, some customers’ financial situations have been, or will be, affected.

This morning at its regularly scheduled meeting, the District’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 865, temporarily suspending certain District policies to provide customer relief from economic conditions created by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The resolution, which takes immediate effect, will be in effect until July 31, 2020.

In recognition of potential economic impacts, Resolution No. 865 allows for the following:

Temporary Suspension of Late Fees The District will not apply or collect late fees associated with delinquent utility accounts for the bills generated in April, May, June, and July 2020.
Temporary Suspension of Service Terminations The District will not turn off water at any occupied premises solely due to unpaid utility charges.
Temporary Suspension of Service Suspension Fees The District will not charge customers any fee for voluntary suspensions of service (billing suspension).

As always, payment plans are available to any customer who should need one by contacting our office. Office staff are available by phone during our normal business hours of 8 am – 5 pm Monday – Thursday, though we ask for your patience as we are working with reduced staffing levels. Once the resolution is lifted, customers will have a 60-day window to pay the charges on their account or enter into a formal payment plan with the District.

We recognize that it is unknown at this time what the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be on the world and our corner of it. During these unprecedented times, it is the District’s ultimate goal to ensure continued operation of our water and sewer systems. We remain committed to our organizational mission to be responsive to the needs of our customers and promote a safe work environment for our employees.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the District at (360) 734-9224.