DC Water Disconnection and Billing Clarification Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

This emergency resolution clarifies that DC Water has authority to charge late fees for unpaid water bills (similar to sewer fees) and requires it to submit monthly reports on disconnection actions to the Council, Office of the Attorney General, and Office of the Tenant Advocate. It directly affects DC Water, ratepayers (especially tenants in multifamily buildings), and vulnerable populations who risk disconnection due to building owners' unpaid bills. Key provisions include confirming DC Water's legal authority to impose water late fees with the same limits as sewer fees, and mandating transparency about disconnection notices to enable better assistance for affected residents. The resolution responds to current issues, including 331 properties notified of disconnections as of May 2025, where tenants were unaware of building-level arrears.