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1. Is the Earth Day event cancelled?

Yes. We look forward to seeing you at the event in 2022!

2. Will I be charged a late fee for a late utility payment or if I can’t make the payment will my water be shut off?

The short answer is no, but please read the details below for March and April billing.

Late Utility Payments

City of West Richland utility billing staff will prepare late notices for those customers that did not meet the March 25th payment deadline. The $20 past due fee normally associated with the past due notice will be waived for all customers. By sending the notice, it will alert customers the City did not receive payment and give them the opportunity to contact the City office and correct any payments that may have been misapplied.

Low-Income Senior / Disabled Discount

West Richland Municipal Code 1.20.010 states low-income senior citizens and low-income permanently disabled citizens must renew their applications annually by April 15th for continued discount. This deadline is being extended for the year 2020 to July 15th.

Promissory & Payment Plan Options

For the months of March and April, utility customers can enter into a promissory plan or payment plan and admin fees and interest fees will be waived. The City has a limit of 2 promissory agreements per year, if a customer enters into an agreement during the months of March and/or April, these promissory agreements will not count as one of the allowed within the calendar year.

Water Shut-Offs for Non-Payment

No water shut-offs will occur for non-payment for the month of April 2020.

Foreclosure on Property for Utility Debt

The City will not pursue foreclosure of property for unpaid utility debt until after June 30, 2020.

3. Can I temporarily discontinue commercial utility services?

Businesses that are temporarily closed due to COVID-19 can submit a temporary discontinue service application to stop services for Water, Sewer, and Garbage services. Normally, a $15 or $40 dollar fee for both the disconnect and then the reconnect are charged for the service during normal business hours. These disconnect and reconnect fees will be waived for commercial customers temporarily closing their business due to COVID-19. If the customer is requesting an after-hours disconnect, the fee will not be waived under this revision. Forms can be returned by email or dropped off in the night drop box located outside the Municipal Services Facility.

Note: Customers must have water disconnected in order to disconnect sewer and garbage services. If the customer is not supplied by the City water service, a temporary disconnect would not be applicable.

4. Do I need to complete backflow testing for my home or business?

Yes, both residents and businesses should continue to contact backflow assembly testers and companies to complete backflow assembly testing. The State Department of Health's Office of Drinking Water included backflow assembly testers under the List of Essential Functions.

If you are experiencing financial struggle or your business is closed under the Governor's Stay Home Stay Healthy order, please email Brandon Dawkins-the City's Cross Connection Specialist. You may request a 60-day extension to the backflow test due date.

Questions may also be directed to Brandon Dawkins via email. Please remember to include your name or business name, address, and current phone number with each request.

5. When will irrigation water be available?

The City is tentatively scheduled to turn on the City operated irrigation system for the Luanne Estates, Brotherhood, and Flat Top locations Wednesday, April 8, 2020.