BALTIMORE — Baltimore City water billing is set to resume on May 8, after being delayed since March over the coronavirus pandemic.
“To protect our DPW staff from COVID-19 we created a process to generate bills, provide customer service remotely, and allow our employees to telework,” said Mayor Jack Young. “This process took a few weeks to put in place, which delayed billing cycles for March and April—time well spent, given that the new process provides the flexibility to meet the changing needs of our communities.”
On Wednesday, Young warned customers that their bills would be higher than normal because it will include services for part of March and all of April.
The city says late fees have not and will not be assessed for overdue water bill payments, and that service will not be shut off for lack of payment.
To help residents struggling financially, officials have developed the Emergency COVID-19 Discount for any Baltimore City water account holder who shows proof of unemployment eligibility. The discount will provide the same assistance that eligible BH2O Assists and BH2O Plus participants currently receive, including a 43% discount on charges for water and sewer usage, and a waiver of Bay Restoration and Storm Water Remediation fees.
Discount eligibility will begin on May 8 and last until 90 days after the current state of emergency or December 31, 2020, whichever comes first. The discount is good for one year.
Those currently enrolled in BH2O, will not have to go through the annual verification process, and will automatically remain in the program for the coming year.
Customers can begin applying online for the discounts on May 8.
Customers should continue to make payments online by clicking here or by mailing their payment to the Director of Finance, at 200 Holliday Street in Baltimore, Maryland.
DPW’s Customer Support and Services Division offices are still closed, but are available by email at DPW.Billing@BaltimoreCity.gov or phone at 410-396-5398.
