Customers in need are encouraged to seek assistance
(Kansas City, MO) – Beginning November 1st, KC Water will lift the moratorium on water service shut-offs due to non-payment.
At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, KC Water halted water shut-offs due to non-payment for residential and business customers. KC Water also suspended penalties and restored services to those who did not have water without required payment. For those who were able to make a payment, KC Water approved reduced down payments on delinquent bills. However, several thousand customers remain eligible for disconnection.
“We understand the need for water and we will do everything we can to maintain water services for customers but they must seek our help. We need delinquent account holders to contact us to avoid a disruption of service for non-payment,” said John Clarkson, Customer Service Utility Officer.
“We offer payment arrangements and a customer assistance program managed by the Mid America Assistance Coalition for those needing help paying their water bill, yet we’ve seen only a small increase in the number of people seeking help. KC Water recently increased its funding for the utility assistance program by 60%. We hope more people will utilize these assistance options, especially during this time,” Clarkson continued.
KC Water is also seeking financial relief through the CARES ACT to help our customers and replace lost revenue.
“We understand the financial hardship that was placed on some of our customers and want to assist them where we can to ensure they have access to clean water. KC Water is an essential workforce and will continue to provide vital water, wastewater, and stormwater services,” said Terry Leeds, Director of KC Water.
Customers can set up a payment arrangement online at www.kcwater.us or by calling 816-513-1313 and selecting option 1. Customers may also qualify for assistance by calling 211, or 816-474-5112. Northland Neighborhoods, Inc. also contracted with Metro Lutheran Ministry to offer an assistance program available to Northland consumers. The application for assistance can be accessed at www.mlmkc.org. For questions regarding eligibility, please contact MLM at mlmhelps@mlmkc.org.
For more information, please contact Heather Frierson, Media Relations Coordinator, at heather.frierson@kcmo.org, 816-513-0280.
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KC Water maintains and operates water treatment and distribution systems, stormwater management systems, and wastewater collection and treatment systems for residential and business customers in Kansas City and for wholesale customers in the Kansas City area. KC Water is primarily funded by fees charged to customers based on their use or impacts on the three utility systems.
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