WSSC Water Extends Get Current: Temporary Water Bill Amnesty Program to Assist Customers

Laurel, Md. – June 26, 2023 – WSSC Water today announced the extension of its temporary water bill amnesty program through July 31. The Get Current program helps eligible customers with a delinquent balance as of May 1, 2023, by providing bill credits and waiving 100 percent of late payment charges and turn-on fees. Beginning Wednesday, July 5, WSSC Water will resume residential water service turnoffs on past-due accounts. The turnoffs were temporarily suspended in June to encourage program participation. As of today, nearly 700 customers have signed up to take advantage of the benefits of the temporary amnesty program – allowing WSSC Water to collect approximately $450,000 in past due amounts.

Eligible residential customers whose household income is below 150 percent of area median income* will receive the following benefits:

• Ten percent bill credit for payment in full of the delinquent amount and 100 percent of late payment charges and turn-on fees waived; and
• Five percent bill credit for 50 percent payment of the delinquent amount and successful completion of a six-month payment plan. Upon completion of the payment plan, 100 percent of late payment charges and turn-on fees are waived. The five percent bill credit is also applied after the completion of the payment plan.

Residential customers above 150 percent of area median income and commercial and multi-unit residential accounts with master meters are eligible for the 100 percent waiver of late payment charges and turn-on fees.

“We are extending this program to encourage those struggling to make ends meet to reach out to us and take advantage of the financial benefits of the Get Current program,” said WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell. “We will continue to work closely with those behind on their water and sewer bills to avoid service disruption. We want to do everything possible to keep our safe, clean water flowing into each home and business in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. However, we must stem the loss of revenue. We have a public health duty to ensure we recover funds to invest in, and improve, our critical infrastructure.” 

As of today, approximately 83,000 accounts are past due, totaling more than $53 million in total revenue – the vast majority of which are residential customers.

Only after extensive customer notification and all other reasonable alternatives have been exhausted, including efforts to connect every income-constrained customer with available financial assistance, will WSSC Water disconnect water service. WSSC Water offers several financial assistance programs to help customers get current with their bill. You can find information on other customer assistance programs at wsscwater.com/assistance.

To learn more about WSSC Water’s Get Current program and determine if you qualify, visit wsscwater.com/getcurrent. 

* Get Current 150 percent Area Median Income Limits by Household Size for Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.