Soquel Creek Water District: No Shutoffs

To comply with California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “stay at home” order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the county, the Soquel Creek Water District office will be closed to public access and will suspend most shutoffs until further notice.

In a March 23 email to customers, the district wrote, “We take this issue very seriously and want to make sure we are taking every precaution to protect our employees and the community from exposure to the virus. As this is an emerging situation that is rapidly evolving, this plan is subject to change based on new information and guidance.”

To ease the stress of this situation, effective immediately, water service will not be terminated for nonpayment of customer bills due to financial difficulty directly resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Customers who face these hardships should call 831-475-8500 option 3 to make payment arrangements. They will not be charged late fees. These temporary policies will be in effect until further notice.

Customers are still responsible for their water bills, and once the current public health crisis has passed, normal policies will be restored. For customers who can make prompt payments, “it is greatly appreciated and helpful,” the district wrote. “This is an unprecedented situation that has required our community and staff to adjust our normal practices. We thank you for your patience and understanding in these uncertain times.”

Responding to concerns surrounding COVID-19, the district wrote, “We want to reassure customers this virus has no impact on the district’s drinking water supply.” The district added this information:

• “The coronavirus has no impact on the quality or supply of tap water. As always, tap water is both available and safe.
• “While it’s advisable to stock bottled water at home in case of emergencies, we do not expect this health outbreak to disrupt water services.
• “We are committed to providing our customers with safe and reliable water. We use chlorine to eliminate pathogens, which include viruses. This ensures safe drinking water for all district customers.
• “We deliver water of the highest quality and meets all stringent state and federal drinking water requirements. This information is detailed in the 2018 Water Quality Report, available at www.soquelcreekwater.org/sites/default/files/documents/Reports/2018wqr.pdf”

Though the water district office is closed, employees are working and ready to respond to inquiries, issues, and emergencies by email and phone:

TO PAY YOUR BILL

• Online — www.municipalonlinepayments.com/soquelcreekwaterdistrictca
• Phone — The automated payment system is available 24/7at (831) 475-8500, Option 2. Have your water and financial account numbers handy and use Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover or your checking account. To reach a billing representative call (831) 475-8500, Option 3 during business hours 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Drop Boxes — Outside the district office, 5180 Soquel Drive, Aptos, one near the front entrance and one in the parking lot behind the office. Payments are picked up by 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Include your account number and check made out to Soquel Creek Water District.

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TO START/STOP WATER SERVICE: Call Customer Service at (831) 475-8500 option 3 during normal business hours

ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES: Call Taj Dufour, Engineering Manager, at 831-475-8501×123 or email tajd@soquelcreekwater.org

CONSERVATION SERVICES: Water Wise House Calls will be suspended until further notice. For other services or questions call Shelley Flock, Conservation/Customer Service Field Manager at 831-475-8501 x156 or email shelleyf@soquelcreekwater.org.

AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY: In the event of a water emergency after normal business hours call (831) 475-8500 and the answering service will dispatch someone to assist you as the situation warrants.