The pandemic policy of letting water service continue when residents have overdue utility bills will soon end in Englewood, but financial assistance is available for those still struggling to pay.

“In 2020, the City of Englewood, along with many other municipalities across the county, suspended water shutoffs for overdue utility bills to provide economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the city says on its website.

Starting in February, water service shutoffs for those who don’t pay will resume.

“Many metro-area utilities began resuming water shutoffs for nonpayment in the spring and summer of 2021,” said Christopher Harguth, Englewood city spokesperson. “Englewood Utilities chose to extend the suspension of shutoffs through 2021 in an effort to provide continued relief to its citizens struggling with utility payments.”

Speaking about the timing of the decision, Harguth said: “By resuming shutoffs in February 2022, the city also provided relief to customers through the 2021 holiday season.”

Initial notices were sent to customers in their October utility bills informing them water shutoffs for lack of payment would resume in February, giving them months to prepare, Harguth said. The advance notice was also intended to give customers several months to catch up on overdue bills or set up a payment arrangement with the city Utilities Department, he added.

“Several additional notices, social media posts, and website updates have been provided each month containing information and resources for customers struggling to pay their utility bills,” Harguth said.

For those still struggling with bills, assistance is still available through the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program through April 30 for households that meet the criteria, Harguth said. The program is designed to assist those that qualify with overdue utility bills. The program is administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services. See the department's website for details or call 1-866-432-8435.

The public should note that funds are “extremely limited” and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the city.

Another financial assistance program can also help: the “Customer Assistance Program,” which is administered by Arapahoe County. See the county's website for details or call 303-738-7891.

Residents can also set up payment arrangements by contacting a live customer service representative from the city Utilities Department at 303-762-2635 or utilities@englewoodco.gov.  

If your water is shut off for lack of payment, water service will be reinstated within 24 to 48 hours following payment in full of the past due balance, the city’s website says.