District of ColumbiaB26-0322Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

DC Water Disconnection and Billing Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Charles Allen (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Higher late fees and 30-day shutoffs for DC Water bills

DC Water can add late fees to unpaid bills: up to 10% after 30 days, and 1% per month after 60 days, compounding. This late-fee authority applies retroactively to April 18, 1996. DC Water can shut off water when a bill is unpaid 30 days after the bill date, even if the owner or tenant changed. DC Water can bill and collect from the owner or the occupant, and may require payment in advance. It is illegal to turn water back on without DC Water’s okay; the owner or occupant must pay a fine of at least 20% of the delinquent charges or $100, whichever is more, unless DC Water finds they did not do it.

Stronger multilingual notices before water shutoff

DC Water must give at least 30 working days’ posted notice before shutting off water, posted outside and at publicly accessible units, in English, Spanish, or another language used at the property. DC Water must develop the notice with the Tenant Advocate and include who is delinquent, how much is owed, and days past due. The rules now cover all occupants (not just tenants) and reference receivership. An optional step in the notice rules is now required. DC Water also must follow the Language Access Act, so customers can get translations and interpretation for bills and notices.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Charles Allen
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 24 • No: 0

House vote • 7/28/2025

Final Reading, CC

Yes: 12 • No: 0

House vote • 7/14/2025

First Reading