SANTEE
Padre Dam Municipal Water District customers who have not paid their bills will be charged late fees beginning Aug. 1 and risk losing water service starting Oct. 1.
The district that serves Santee, Alpine, Crest and other areas in East County temporarily suspended late fees and water shutoffs for non-payment in spring 2020 to help customers having financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this month, Padre Dam’s Board of Directors voted 4-1 to reinstate both. The annual financial impact of the delinquent payments is more than $1 million, the directors were told.
“We understand there is never a good time to reintroduce late fees and water shutoffs,” said Padre Dam General Manager Allen Carlisle. “However, we have an obligation to follow the law and protect the financial security of the community’s water system.”