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 discontinuation of 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 is 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 provisions of the bill require the adoption of a written policy.  The policy would be applicable to all residential water customers which will result in expanded notification procedures prior to 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 discontinuation of 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 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 web site and to also report this information to the State Water  Resources Control Board where the Board will also post on its web site 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 760-247-7330.

To view this policy notice in Spanish, please visit our website at https://avhcwd.specialdistrict.org/about-senate-bill-998-sb-998

要查看西班牙语版政策通知，请访问我们的网站：https://avhcwd.specialdistrict.org/about-senate-bill-998-sb-998

이 정책 공지를 스페인어로 보려면 당사 웹사이트 https://avhcwd.specialdistrict.org/about-senate-bill-998-sb-998을 방문하십시오.

i jeongchaeg gongjileul seupein-eolo bolyeomyeon dangsa websaiteu https://avhcwd.specialdistrict.org/about-senate-bill-998-sb-998eul bangmunhasibsio.

Upang tingnan ang paunawa ng patakarang ito sa Espanyol, pakibisita ang aming website sa https://avhcwd.specialdistrict.org/about-senate-bill-998-sb-998

Upang tingnan ang paunawa ng patakarang ito sa Espanyol, pakibisita ang aming website sa https://avhcwd.specialdistrict.org/about-senate-bill-998-sb-998