DOW Reminds Public of Utility Assistance as Delinquent Accounts Total $193K

With over 200 delinquent accounts, the Department of Water (DOW) is reminding qualified customers to apply for utility payment assistance.

The county currently offers help to pay the bill through its Coronavirus Rent and Utility Assistance Program to avoid water service shutoff for non-payment. As of Wednesday, Sept. 1, county officials reported 262 delinquent accounts, resulting in approximately $193,000 in past due payments owed.

“Some of the delinquent accounts occurred prior to the covid-19 pandemic,” county officials stated. “DOW deferred water service shutoffs for non-payment in March 2020 due to the pandemic but have resumed collections procedures effective today (Sept. 1, 2021).”

The DOW also delivers up to two additional payment reminder notices to past-due accounts. In addition to the notices and as an added courtesy, Billing Services personnel also contacts the account holder by phone to offer additional options such as payment arrangements.

An account that is past due for 90 days or more is considered delinquent and is subject to water service shutoff for non-payment.

DOW pays additional fees to produce and deliver notices to delinquent service accounts and manage collections proceedings. These fees are passed on to ratepayers.

Information on payment assistance can be found here or by calling 808-482-3777. Additionally, payment plans for delinquent water service accounts can be arranged by contacting DOW at 808-245-5442.

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 [email protected].

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 is necessary.

For more information, contact DOW’s Billing Services at 808-245-5442 or via email at [email protected].