Bill
B 26-0680
The bill temporarily clarifies how DC Water bills customers and when it may disconnect service, including protections and transitional rules.
DC Water and Sewer Authority Billing and Disconnection Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2026 (B26-0680)
Overview
- Jurisdiction: District of Columbia
- Session: 26
- Status: Retained by the Council (as of 2026-05-05)
- Introduced: May 4, 2026
- Sponsor: Councilmember Charles Allen (co-sponsor)
Purpose and intent
- This temporary bill appears to clarify and potentially adjust billing and disconnection practices related to the DC Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) within the District of Columbia.
- The measure is framed as a clarification/temporary amendment, suggesting it aims to address ambiguities or gaps in current rules governing how DC Water bills customers and when disconnections may occur, likely in response to ongoing concerns or to provide transitional guidance.
Key provisions and changes (as implied)
- Billing Clarifications: The bill likely specifies how DC Water must calculate and issue bills, including the timing of bill generation, due dates, and acceptable methods of billing (e.g., paper vs. electronic).
- Disconnection Protocols: The act would clarify when and how DC Water can disconnect service for nonpayment, including any required notices, grace periods, and protective steps for vulnerable customers.
- Temporary Nature: The designation “Temporary Amendment” indicates the provisions are intended to be in effect for a defined period, after which they may sunset or be renegotiated, unless extended by the Council.
- Customer Protections: The bill may insert or reinforce protections for residents facing disconnection, potentially including minimum notice periods, shutoff moratoriums during certain conditions, or requirements for payment plans.
- Administrative Guidance: The act could establish or reaffirm procedures for compliance inspections, enforcement, and the resolution of billing disputes.
Who would be affected
- DC Water customers: Households and businesses receiving water and sewer service would be directly impacted by any changes to billing procedures and disconnection rules.
- DC Water: The agency would be responsible for implementing the clarified procedures and ensuring compliance with the new temporary requirements.
- District residents and policymakers: The temporary measure would guide council oversight during its effective period, influencing consumer protections and utility administration.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduction: May 4, 2026
- Consideration: The bill was introduced and subsequently retained by the Council (as of May 5, 2026), indicating ongoing committee or floor review.
- Temporary status: The amendment is described as temporary; it will have a defined duration and may require renewal, amendment, or sunset at the end of the period.
- Next steps: If advanced, the Council may hold hearings, propose amendments, and vote to adopt the measure. Enactment would typically require the Mayor’s signature (if applicable in Council procedures) and publication.
Notes
- The available information does not include the full text of the bill, so specifics such as exact notice periods, disconnection timelines, or dollar thresholds are not listed here. For precise provisions, the bill’s text and any accompanying fiscal or regulatory impact statements should be consulted.
If you’d like, I can tailor this summary further once the bill text is provided or once additional action-history details are available.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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