DC Water had to warn occupants before service shutoffs

DC Water’s general manager had to post notices before ending water and sewer service. The notices were for occupants, whether renters or owners. They had to state the overdue amount and how many days the bill was late. Notices had to go outside the property and at each unit if it was publicly accessible and posting there was practical. They had to be in English, Spanish, or another language DC Water reasonably thought occupants spoke. Notices were due at least 30 working days before service ended. The emergency act could last no more than 90 days after mayoral approval.

DC Water could add charges and a monthly penalty to late bills. The provision covered unpaid DC Water charges or bills. The first charge could not exceed 10%. The later penalty was 1% per month, compounded monthly. The charge applied after more than 30 days unpaid; the monthly penalty applied after more than 60 days. This section applied as of April 18, 1996.

DC Water had to send monthly property counts to the Council, the Attorney General’s office, and the Tenant Advocate’s office. The counts covered properties with shutoff notices, lost or restored service, payment plans, tenants who took over bill payment through an association, or court-appointed management. Reports were due on the seventh day of each month for the previous month.

The act listed DC Water under the District’s language access law. The listing covered DC Water as an agency with frequent contact with the public. The act took effect after mayoral approval and could last no more than 90 days.