Citing the continuing rise in COVID-19 cases, the city of Phoenix decided to postpone a previously announced plan to resume water shut-offs in February for past due accounts.
The city has deferred water shut-offs due to non-payment for single-family residential customers since March 2020, due to the pandemic. It was announced in early January that shut offs would resume this month, but the city made a quick about-face.
In addition, the Phoenix City Council voted to permanently stop charging late fees for single-family residential customers after water service is placed on low-flow or shut-off. The council also allocated funding for residential utility assistance to support customers. Currently, 17,000 delinquent residential accounts owe approximately $10 million.
The city says that it will continue to provide low-flow service for delinquent customers who are not participating in the financial assistance programs. Low-flow water service gives customers reduced water pressure while working with the city to resolve their past due accounts.
Customers who cannot afford to pay their water bill should call 602-262-6251, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
