(a) A covered water system that serves 200 or more service connections shall have a written policy on discontinuation of residential service for nonpayment available in English, the languages listed in § 1632 of the Civil Code, and any other language spoken by at least 10 percent of the people residing in its service area. A covered water system that serves fewer than 200 service connections shall have a written policy on disconnection of residential service for nonpayment available in English, any language spoken by at least 10 percent of the people residing in its service area, and, upon request of a customer, any of the languages listed in § 1632 of the Civil Code. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a covered water system from making the policy available in any other language. The policy shall include all of the following:

(1) A plan for deferred or reduced payments that is available for any customer regardless of whether they meet the conditions of subdivision (a) of Section 116910. The plan for deferred or reduced payments that is available to any customer regardless of whether they meet the conditions of subdivision (a) of Section 116910 is not required to reduce the total amount due for water service provided.

Terms Used In California Health and Safety Code 116906

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.

(2) Alternative payment schedules that are available for any customer regardless of whether they meet the conditions of subdivision (a) of Section 116910.

(3) A formal mechanism for a customer to contest or appeal a bill.

(4) A telephone number for a customer to contact to discuss options for averting discontinuation of residential service for nonpayment.

(b) The policy shall be available on the covered water system’s internet website, if an internet website exists. If an internet website does not exist, the covered water system shall provide the policy to customers in writing, upon request.

(c) (1) The board may enforce the requirements of this section pursuant to Sections 116577, 116650, and 116655. The provisions of Section 116585 and Article 10 (commencing with Section 116700) of Chapter 4 apply to enforcement undertaken for a violation of this section.

(2) All moneys collected pursuant to this subdivision shall be deposited in the Safe Drinking Water Account established pursuant to Section 116590.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 855, Sec. 4. (SB 3) Effective January 1, 2024.)

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