New Water Bill Policy Aiming To Wash Out Unpaid Accounts
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Water woes. The city is ramping up its program to collect unpaid water bills.
Amy Yensi spoke with city leaders behind the new push.
City officials say they will be zeroing in on commercial properties with delinquent water bills.
What seems like a drop in the bucket for some is a leakage of funds for Baltimore City. Attempting to reverse the tide--a new policy to shut off delinquent water accounts.
"This is not about going out and shutting off people's water off. This is about trying to get them to pay the amount that's owed," said Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., Baltimore City Department of Public Works director.
Starting April 1, any account with Baltimore City water can expect a dry faucet if it's past due for two billing cycles and the balance owed is greater than $250.
The city estimates that there are 23,000 delinquent water bill accounts owing the city nearly $40 million.
About $7.3 million of that owed is associated with the prior owners of the Sparrows Point steel plant.
For the first time, businesses will be joining residential properties in being subject to turnoffs on delinquent water accounts.
For Deborah Botterill, who owns Deb's Shop in Hampden, using water is part of the job and having to pay for it during slow times means a cut to her bottom line.
"Everything's so high and nobody's coming in. You can't make it," she said.
Officials saying the new policy ensures commercial, multiple unit and government properties pay their fair share and are held to the same standards as homeowners.
"When folks don't pay, we fall behind. That means we either stop operating or have to cut back," said Chow.
He says that will help offset future rate increases.
If your service is turned off, it will be restored within 24 hours of payment.
Customers who would like to inquire about a payment agreement should contact the Baltimore City Department of Public Works at 410-396-5398.
