Utility Liens and Shut-offs
- A city or town owns and operates the utility. (change)
- Sewer and/or storm water charges are delinquent. (change)
- The utility chooses to pursue a water shut-off. (change)
- The city or town has an ordinance authorizing water shut-offs to enforce payment of delinquent sewer and storm water charges. (change)
- The person using the service is the owner. (change)
- The utility gave the customer proper notice. (change)
- The utility provided the customer an opportunity for a hearing. (change)
Conclusion
According to the information you provided, the utility may shut off water service to enforce payment of delinquent sewer and storm water charges. However, some important restrictions and legal provisions apply:
- The utility may only shut off water to enforce the payment of a total of six months' utility charges unless:
- The city or town, pursuant to RCW 35.67.215, passed an ordinance or resolution extending the automatic sewerage lien for up to an additional six months; or
- The utility filed a lien for delinquent sewerage charges against the premises served within the last two years.
- If the city or town extended the automatic sewerage lien, the utility may shut off water to enforce payment for six months' charges as well as those incurred within the period provided in the ordinance or resolution.
Disclaimer
Regarding General Use of Information:
These materials are informational and are subject to change without notice. MRSC and SAO have made good faith efforts to provide reliable interpretations of Washington State and federal law relating to utility liens and shut-offs. This information is not intended to supplant due diligence by your agency's staff, and your agency may have established additional requirements that are not reflected in this tool. Always consult your agency's legal counsel, policies, and ordinances before pursuing a utility lien or shut-off. Neither MRSC or SAO or any officer, or employee of MRSC or SAO warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information or interpretation in these materials and shall not be liable for any losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information or interpretation. Neither MRSC nor SAO are legally bound by any information or interpretation set forth in these materials.