District of ColumbiaB26-0680Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

DC Water and Sewer Authority Billing and Disconnection Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Charles Allen (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Late fees for DC Water customers

DC Water may add a charge of up to 10% to water bills unpaid for more than 30 days. After more than 60 days, it may also add a 1% monthly penalty, compounded monthly. These rules apply as of April 18, 1996. The temporary law expires 225 days after taking effect.

Shutoff and reconnection penalties for customers

DC Water may collect water charges from owners or occupants, including payment in advance. It may shut off service for charges not paid within 30 days of the bill date, subject to notice requirements. A change in ownership or occupancy does not prevent shutoff. Restoring service after a nonpayment shutoff requires DC Water's express permission. The fine clause uses conflicting wording: "not less than 20%" of overdue charges "or more than $100, whichever is greater." The fine does not apply if DC Water finds the owner or occupant neither restored service nor asked someone to do so. The temporary law expires 225 days after taking effect.

Language help for DC Water customers

DC Water is now covered by the District's Language Access Act as an agency with major public contact. It must meet the Act's requirements for language-accessible communications and services for people with limited English skills. The temporary law expires 225 days after taking effect.

More shutoff notice for water customers

DC Water must post notice outside the property at least 30 working days before ending water and sewer service. It must also post at each unit when publicly accessible and practical. Notices address all occupants and use English, Spanish, or another language DC Water reasonably determines occupants may speak. Developed with the Office of the Tenant Advocate, notices identify the delinquent owner or association, balance owed, and days overdue. They also identify the court receivership process for the property. The law changes permission to allow debt discharge from optional to required within the existing notice rule. DC Water must report monthly to the Council, Attorney General, People's Counsel, and Tenant Advocate. Reports count properties receiving shutoff notices, those disconnected, and those disconnected that had service restored. They also count properties entering payment plans, those where tenant associations assume bill payment, and those placed in receivership. The temporary law expires 225 days after taking effect.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Charles Allen
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 26 • No: 0

House vote • 6/2/2026

Final Reading, CC

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 5/5/2026

First Reading