Water late fees, shut off moratorium ending

The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s COVID-19 moratorium on late fees and water shut offs for non-payment is coming to an end, district officials said.

Late fees will be reinstated Nov. 1 and California’s statewide shut off moratorium will expire on Dec. 31.

“Providing customers with 24/7 access to safe and reliable water is a top priority to EVMWD,” the district said. “When Governor Newsom announced a shut off moratorium for all California utilities in March 2020, EVMWD immediately suspended late fees and shut offs for non-payment. This suspension ensured that all customers had continued access to water – a vital resource in the fight against COVID-19.”

The suspension of late fees and shut offs was intended as a temporary measure only, the district said.

“We want our customers to be prepared,” the district said regarding the upcoming end to the moratorium. “By proactively addressing any past due account balance, you can avoid late fees and shut offs.”

As EVMWD resumes traditional billing operations, there are numerous assistance programs in place to help its customers.

“Our customer service representatives are happy to discuss these options with you,” the district said. “Reach us at 951-674-3146 during regular business hours or visit www.evmwd.com/assistance to learn more.”