Governor Inslee has issued Proclamation 20-23, pertaining to Utility Ratepayer Assistance and Preservation of Essential Services. Birch Bay Water and Sewer District is committed to keeping our customers connected to essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. If you are experiencing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for support, including long-term payment arrangements or bill assistance. This Proclamation does not relieve customers from the obligation to pay for utility service.
Covid-Response Programs
During these unprecedented times, it is the District’s ultimate goal to ensure continued operation of our water and sewer systems. We remain committed to our organizational mission to be responsive to the needs of our customers and promote a safe work environment for our employees. Therefore the Board of Commissioners passed Resolution No. 761 which allows for the following:
· Temporary Suspension of Late Fees. The District will not apply or collect late fees associated with delinquent utility accounts
· Temporary Suspension of Service Terminations. The District will not turn off water solely due to unpaid utility charges.
Once the resolution is lifted, customers will have a 60-day window to pay the charges on their account or enter into a formal payment plan with the District. The formal payment plan is a 1 year payment term on the arrears amount. To enter this payment plan you must contact the District office and verbally agree to the terms.
Other Resources
The Community Assistance Program of Blaine (CAP) is available for customers to contact for bill payment assistance. The CAP also has a wide variety of resources for support (360) 392-8484.
The Utilities and Transportation Commission will serve as the single point of contact within state government for customers seeking bill assistance information. You can reach the Utilities and Transportation Commission Consumer Hotline at 1-888-333-WUTC (1-888-333-9882) or by email at consumer@utc.wa.gov.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the District at (360) 371-7100.