Notice of Intent to Reinstate Water Shut-Off Policy

Published on August 10, 2023

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REINSTATE WATER SHUTOFF POLICY FOR ALL ACCOUNTS – RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL

In March 2020, the City suspended late fees and water service shutoffs for all water accounts to help South Gate water customers manage the economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City also participated in the State Water Resources Control Board’s Water Arrearages Program and the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program as an added effort to support our South Gate water customers with their delinquent water bills.

The federal COVID-19 public health emergency declaration expired May 11, 2023, and as a result, the City will resume assessing late fees and water shutoff proceedings for billing cycles starting July 10, 2023.

To assist our residents experiencing financial hardship with their water bills, we have three options for you to choose from:

1. Elect up to $500.00 in one-time COVID-19 relief assistance to be applied to your residential water account.

2. If you need additional assistance paying down the outstanding balance on your water account, you may be eligible for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), which is administered through the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD).

3. If you are unable to pay the full balance, you can contact us to arrange a repayment plan with Customer Service.

For more detailed information, please view the notices in English(PDF, 97KB), Spanish(PDF, 61KB)

In accordance with the State Water Shutoff Protection Act (SB 998), the City may only shut off water service when an account is at least 60 days delinquent. To obtain a copy of the City’s comprehensive Water Service Shut-Off Policy, click here.