NEWS
PRESS RELEASE 031820
EVMWD Temporarily Suspends Water Shutoffs During Coronavirus Outbreak
Contact: Bonnie Woodrome (951) 674-3146 x8274
Mail: bwoodrome@evmwd.net
Lake Elsinore, CA – To assist customers struggling financially during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) will temporarily suspend water shutoffs due to non-payment and late payment fees.
“We want to assure our customers that the tap water will stay on as this incident progresses,” said Andy Morris, president of the EVMWD board of directors. “Since our customers’ health and safety are of the utmost importance and we understand the economic hardships this emergency is causing, EVMWD will suspend water shutoffs for non-payment through June 1.”
At EVMWD, the health and safety of customers and employees are always a top priority. The coronavirus will not impact water quality or availability.
“EVMWD is committed to providing its customers with safe and reliable water,” said Greg Thomas, general manager for the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District. “The coronavirus has no impact on the quality or supply of your tap water. During this crisis, we are working diligently to ensure water and wastewater services are there 24/7, while scaling back other non-critical services to do our part in promoting community health and safety.”
The water that EVMWD provides to its customers meets or exceeds all state and federal guidelines. EVMWD uses chloramine treatment to eliminate pathogens, ensuring safe drinking water for its customers. Coronavirus transfers from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. There is no evidence that coronavirus transfers through drinking water.
Frequent hand washing is a key part of preventing the transmission of coronavirus and EVMWD will ensure all customers continue to have access to this vital resource. Water shutoffs and late payment fees are suspended now through June 1, 2020, and the Board of Directors will re-evaluate this date based on the situation.
Customers who are facing adversity are urged to contact EVMWD at (951) 674-3146 to discuss assistance plans.
To further protect the health of the community, EVMWD’s lobby will be temporarily closed. Customers are encouraged to pay bills online at www.onlinebiller.com/evmwd or via phone at (951) 674-3146. Information on additional ways to pay is available at www.evmwd.com.
EVMWD will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Additional information can be found at www.evmwd.com or by calling (951) 674-3146 during regular business hours.
PRESS RELEASE 052920
District Delays Rate Increase, Extends Freeze On Service Shut-Offs To Support Community During Pandemic
Contact: Bonnie Woodrome (951) 674-3146 x8274
Mail: bwoodrome@evmwd.net
LAKE ELSINORE, CA.— To further protect public health and assist customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) announced it will continue to defer disconnections for non-payment, postpone a pending rate increase and reopen lobby services.
Suspension of water service shut-offs for delinquent bills has been extended through September 30, continuing an action taken by the District in March. EVMWD was one of the first adopters of such a policy to assist customers struggling financially because of the crisis, prior to a statewide order to suspend shut-offs.
The District continues to bill for water service, so customers in need are encouraged to make payment arrangements by calling (951) 674-3146. EVMWD also offers low-income rate assistance to qualifying customers through its RARE program.
On Thursday, May 28, the EVMWD Board of Directors voted unanimously to delay a previously approved rate increase for July 1 that was intended to cover the rising costs of imported water, energy, treatment, preventative maintenance, and capital improvement projects. Now, Elsinore Division water rates will not increase until January 1, 2021. Sewer rates will not change. Temescal Division and recycled water rates will maintain the slight increase adopted by the Board last August effective July 1, 2020.
“We know this is a difficult time for many people in our community. At EVMWD, we are committed to doing what we can to help them by minimizing economic hardships and continuing to provide safe, clean drinking water without interruption,” said Andy Morris, president of the District’s board of directors.
The EVMWD lobby will also reopen to the public on June 1. In concert with health department guidelines, social distancing and masks will be strongly encouraged and increased sanitizing by District staff will be implemented. Customers are encouraged and may continue to pay bills online at www.onlinebiller.com/evmwd or via phone at (951) 674-3146. Information on additional ways to pay is available at www.evmwd.com.