Heads Up Oct. 28, 2022

Utilities will restart its collections process for water utility bills after a pause in enforcement during the pandemic

The Utilities Department is resuming its normal business practices following a pause in enforcement of unpaid water utility bills. The department is restarting the collections process, including shut-offs related to non-payment of water bills and encourages community members, property owners and tenants to check their water utility bill for overdue balances. The collections process has been on pause since March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in our community. This shift is in line with other utilities in the region that have resumed collections in their communities over the past year.

Recognizing the hardship that COVID-19 created for many, payment plans and financial assistance are available for community members who may need help paying their bills. Specifically, Boulder has partnered with Boulder County Housing Authority to provide utility bill assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The program has successfully connected eligible customers with assistance since April 2022 and is still accepting applications. Additionally, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding is available to residential utility customers with past due balances who have experienced a COVID-19 hardship. Since August 2022, approximately $75,000 in assistance has been distributed, and the program is continuing to accept applications. Links to these and other assistance programs can be found on the city’s website.

The department offers several ways to pay water utility bills, including an automated phone system, online portal, physical drop-box located at 1777 Broadway and by mail. Community members are encouraged to use the automated phone system or online portal, as it is the quickest way to pay balances.

For more information, contact Joanna Bloom, Utilities deputy director, at bloomj@bouldercolorado.gov.