Certain measures are in place providing relief to ratepayers experiencing economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please review this message in its entirety. For more information, please contact Jennifer Dellavalle (jdellavalle@moorestown.nj.us / 856-235-0912 x3008.)

SERVICE SHUTOFF MORATORIUM

BE ADVISED that Executive Order 229 currently prohibits a local government from shutting off water to a residential customer, or to accounts primarily serving residential customers, due to nonpayment of water charges unless the disconnection is to prevent or ameliorate a risk to public health or safety. This shutoff moratorium remains in effect until January 1, 2022.

Note: Moorestown Township has a policy of not shutting off residential customers for nonpayment.

LATE PAYMENT PENALTY AND LIEN ENFORCEMENT MORATORIUM

BE ADVISED that, until January 1, 2022, Executive Order 229 places a moratorium on local governments collecting late payment charges and penalties on water accounts, or referring a delinquent water payment to tax sale. On or after January 1, 2022, charges and penalties may be collected for delinquent payments, and any payments remaining delinquent may be referred to a tax lien sale held by the municipal tax collector.

BILL ASSISTANCE AND ARREARAGE FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is currently developing a Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). This program is designed to assist water and sewer customers facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further information will be provided once the program goes live.