HomeMy WebLinkAboutDOWNR09012021CustomersurgedtoapplyforbillpaymentassistancethroughCRUA
NEWS RELEASE
DEPARTMENT OF WATER, COUNTY OF KAUA`I
MEDIA CONTACT: JONELL KAOHELAULI’I, INFORMATION & EDUCATION SPECIALIST
245-5461| JKAOHELAULII@KAUAIWATER.ORG | FACEBOOK: @KAUAIDOW
For immediate release:
September 1, 2021
Customers urged to apply for bill payment assistance through CRUA
LIHUE – The Department of Water (DOW) reminds qualified customers to apply for utility bill payment
assistance through the County of Kaua'i’s Coronavirus Rent and Utility Assistance Program (CRUA) to avoid a
water service shutoff for non-payment. Information can be found online at www.kauairenthelp.com or by
calling 808-482-3777. Additionally, payment plans for delinquent water service accounts can be arranged by
contacting DOW at 808-245-5442.
DOW’s Billing Services reports 262 delinquent accounts, resulting in approximately $193k in past due
payments owed. DOW deferred water service shutoffs for non-payment in March 2020 due to the covid-19
pandemic and have resumed collections procedures effective today. However, some of the delinquent
accounts occurred prior to the pandemic.
DOW produces and delivers a monthly billing statement to all customers providing their monthly water usage,
account balance and other important account information. The Department also delivers up to 2 additional
payment reminder notices to past-due accounts. An account that is past due for 90 days or more is considered
delinquent and is subject to water service shutoff for non-payment. In addition to the notices and as an added
courtesy, Billing Services personnel contacts the account holder by phone to offer additional options such as
payment arrangements. If the account remains unpaid after 90 days, a “red tag” notice is placed on the
account’s water meter indicating that a service shut-off has been arranged. DOW pays additional fees to
produce and deliver notices to delinquent service accounts and manage collections proceedings. These fees
are passed on to rate payers.
Customers who experience a service shutoff due to non-payment, can restore water services on the same
business day by making payment in full by 11 a.m. Payments received after 11 a.m. are subject to an additional
$125 fee for same-day service or can request to have service restored the next business day at no additional
cost. Payments to restore services must be made in cash or online via the DOW’s Customer Account Portal,
with a proof of payment receipt emailed to Billing@kauaiwater.org.
DOW offers convenient bill payment options for all customers. Payments are accepted by mail, online at
www.kauaiwater.org, at the drive-thru payment drop box or in-person at their Līhu'e office. In-person bill
payment services are available, and walk-ins are accepted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, except
holidays. No appointment necessary.
For more information, contact DOW’s Billing Services at 808-245-5442 or via email at Billing@kauaiwater.org.
Water has no substitute…Conserve it!
Department of Water’s Billing Services are open for walk-in billing assistance and payments and is located at
4398 Pua Loke Street in Līhu'e.
A “red tag” notice is
placed on a water meter
by DOW personnel when
service is scheduled to be
shut off for non-payment
of water services or by
customer request.
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