Temporary law required DC Water to warn occupants before shutoffs

DC Water had to post a notice before ending water and sewer service. The notice was for occupants, whether renters or owners, of premises facing a service shutoff. It had to state the overdue amount and how many days the account was past due. The manager had to post the notice outside and, where practical and publicly accessible, at each unit. The notice had to use English, Spanish, or another language DC Water reasonably believed occupants might speak. The notice was due at least 30 working days before service ended. The temporary act expired 225 days after taking effect.

DC Water could add charges and penalties to overdue bills. The rule covered overdue DC Water charges and bills. A charge could be no more than 10% on a bill unpaid for more than 30 days. A penalty could be 1% per month, compounded monthly, on a bill unpaid for more than 60 days. The billing rule applied as of April 18, 1996.

DC Water had to send monthly figures to three District offices. The figures covered properties given shutoff notices, properties that lost or regained service, payment plans, tenant association payments, and receivership. The reports went to the Council, the Attorney General's office, and the Tenant Advocate's office. Each report was due on the seventh day of the month and covered the preceding month.

District law listed DC Water as an agency with major public contact. The listing applied to the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority.