Covid-19 Arrearage & Payment Plan Status of Water & Sewer Accounts (Excludes Sewer only Accounts)
Observation
Prior to the Disconnection Moratorium
Prior to Covid-19 pandemic, average of 2,208 accounts were delinquent with the total amounts of $485,000.
During the Disconnection Moratorium
With the disconnection moratorium in place, number of delinquent account has increased by 28% to 2,864. Associated delinquent amounts increased disproportionately by 354% to $2.2M.
Since the end of Disconnection Moratorium
When comparing the highs during the moratorium against delinquencies on December 31, 2023; quantity of account has decreased by 8% to 2,365 and amount has decreased by 47% to $1.16M.
When comparing the delinquency average prior to Covid-19 against December 31, 2023; quantities of account are elevated by 7%. Total delinquent amount is elevated by 139%.
Trend
Quantity of delinquent account is only 7% higher than the average quantity prior to covid-19.
Delinquent amount has decreased by 47% ($1.04M) to $1.16M since the highest amount during the Covid-19.
What is RWS doing to assist the customer to pay down the delinquent amount? Since the Moratorium, 2,738 payment arrangements have been created. Out of these payment arrangements, 534 customers received multiple arrangements or reinstatements. (many as 4-6 times to avoid disconnection) Promoted LIHWAP program to the customers. This resulted in credit of over $281,000 for 197 customers.
On behalf of the rate payers, RWS has requested and received an amount of $801,369 from State Water Resource Control Board Arrearage Program and applied as credit.
Requested additional amount of $1.8M through 2nd round of State Water Resource Control Board Arrearage Program. This request was submitted in December 2023 and is pending approval & payment from the state.
Continue to offer new or reinstatement of payment arrangement to customers to avoid disconnection or reconnection.
Outlook
As expected, with the end of the moratorium, delinquencies decreased dramatically during the first several months. As many of the customers with manageable balance have paid their delinquencies, additional decrease will be slow and expected to take another 12 months to be at the level prior to Covid-19.
As expected, many of the customers with manageable balances have paid their delinquencies, which decreased the arrearage dramatically during the first several months. Additional decrease will be slow and expect to take another 12 months to be at the level prior to Covid-19, but when we receive $1.8M from the state (State Water Board Arrearage Program) to be applied as credit, delinquency is expected to be at the same level (or better) than prior to the Covid-19.
Rialto Water Services, LLC
P.O. Box 920
Bolinas, CA 94924
415 710-0906