Rules and Regulations
Rules, Regulations and Policies in Accordance with Ordinance 93-A and its Amendments
BILLING
Billing is prepared on the last day of each month. Charges for Flat Rate Service shall be billed monthly, in advance, with payment due and payable by the 10th day of each month. Charges for Metered Water Service shall be billed monthly and shall be due and payable by the 10th of each month.
PENALTIES FOR NONPAYMENT
Bills not paid by the 25th of the month shall be deemed delinquent and shall be subject to a basic penalty of 10% of the delinquent charges. If charges are delinquent more than 30 days an additional penalty of 1.5% per month from the payment due date shall be assessed until the charges are paid in full.
Service will be shut off on all service connections delinquent for 75 days. On the 15th day of the third month of a delinquent account, a "48 Hour Notice to Disconnect Service" will be hung on the door of the delinquent service address. There is a service charge of $23 for this process. If, after 48 hours, the account balance is still unpaid, the water service is shut off and a "Service Disconnect" notice is hung on the door. There is a service charge of $38 for this process. All fees must be paid in full for the water to be turned back on.
If unable to pay the balance in its entirety, the customer may sign a "Time Extension Agreement for Delinquent Charges". This allows a 30-day period for the balance to be paid in full. If the customer defaults on the agreement, the water can be turned off immediately.
Delinquent customers also have the option of signing an "Amortization Agreement for Delinquent Charges". This option amortizes the delinquent balance over a twelve (12) month period with interest accrued at 18% per year. The monthly payment must include the payment for the amortized delinquency and the amount of the current balance due. If the scheduled payment and/or current water charges are not paid when due, the balance in full becomes due and payable immediately. If not paid, the water can be turned off immediately.
Delinquent accounts can be turned over to The Credit Center for collection if necessary. The District also has the option of Recording a Lien on the property for the delinquent assessment.
Delinquent accounts that have had the water service connection turned off for non-payment are reported to the Kern County Building Dept. for building code violation.
CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS
Each customer service address must have an application on file with the District, along with a copy of the Trust Deed/Grant Deed showing ownership. There is a $10 transfer fee payable by the new owner for account setup. .