Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order Protecting Homes, Small Businesses from Water Shutoffs – Office of Governor Gavin Newsom 4/2/20
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order that will restrict water shutoffs to homes and small businesses while the state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday issued a moratorium on water utility shutoffs due to nonpayment – SacBee April 2, 2020
This executive order follows another that Newsom issued on March 16 that, in part, asks the California Public Utilities Commission to monitor measures taken by utility providers “to implement customer service protections for critical utilities,” including water.
Coronavirus: Newsom bans water shutoffs for customers with overdue bills – East Bay Times 4/2/20
Environmental and civil rights groups have pushed for the new water rules, making the case that because unprecedented numbers of people are losing jobs, some won’t be able to pay their utility bills, and that small businesses who have lost business are at risk as well. Shutting off service for non-payment would not only provide a major setback for those families and businesses, they have said, but also could spread the virus because water is needed for proper hand-washing and other sanitation.
Restore the Delta was proud to be among the coalition who helped bring this issue to light.
OPEN LETTER: No Water Shutoffs in California During the COVID-19 Crisis – Restore the Delta 3/25/2020
“Water for handwashing and general household cleaning is essential to stop the spread of the disease and to save lives. With hundreds of thousands of Californians applying for unemployment benefits and thousands facing the reality of increased medical bills, we need public water agencies to step up and help those in financial distress.”