EVMWD temporarily suspends water shutoffs

To assist customers struggling financially during the COVID-19 outbreak, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) is temporarily suspending water shutoffs due to non-payment and late payment fees.

“We want to assure our customers that the tap water will stay on as this incident progresses,” Andy Morris, president of the EVMWD board of directors, said. “Since our customers’ health and safety are of the utmost importance and we understand the economic hardships this emergency is causing, EVMWD will suspend water shutoffs for non-payment through June 1.”

“EVMWD is committed to providing its customers with safe and reliable water,” Greg Thomas, general manager for the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, said. “The coronavirus has no impact on the quality or supply of your tap water. During this crisis, we are working diligently to ensure water and wastewater services are there 24/7, while scaling back other non-critical services to do our part in promoting community health and safety.”

The water that EVMWD provides to its customers meets or exceeds all state and federal guidelines, Greg said. EVMWD uses chloramine treatment to eliminate pathogens, ensuring safe drinking water for its customers. Coronavirus transfers from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. There is no evidence that coronavirus transfers through drinking water, he said.

Frequent hand washing is a key part of preventing the transmission of coronavirus and EVMWD will ensure all customers continue to have access to this vital resource. Water shutoffs and late payment fees are suspended now through June 1, and the Board of Directors will re-evaluate this date based on the situation.  Customers who are facing adversity are urged to contact EVMWD at (951) 674-3146 to discuss assistance plans.

To further protect the health of the community, EVMWD’s lobby will be temporarily closed. Customers are encouraged to pay bills online at www.onlinebiller.com/evmwd or via phone at (951) 674-3146. Information on additional ways to pay is available at www.evmwd.com.

EVMWD will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Additional information can be found at www.evmwd.com or by calling (951) 674-3146 during regular business hours.