Maryland water utility says $58M owed in unpaid water bills amid COVID-19 pandemic
WASHINGTON - As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, a Maryland water utility says they have experienced a sizeable increase in the number of accounts that have gone unpaid.
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission says there has been an 82 percent increase in the amount of money owed compared to the same time last year.
WSSC says nearly 95,000 accounts owed $58.4 million in past dues as of October 16, 2020, compared to the $32.1 million owed by approximately 72,000 accounts on October 16, 2019.
Despite the overdue accounts, WSSC has suspended service shutoffs and waived late fees.
"Everyone at WSSC Water remains committed to helping our customers during this time of need," said WSSC Water General Manager & CEO Carla A. Reid in a statement. "COVID-19 has forced our customers to make difficult choices when it comes to paying their bills, and we want them to know that we will work with them to establish convenient and flexible payment plans."