(a) An urban and community water system shall have a written policy on discontinuation of residential service for nonpayment available in English, the languages listed in Section 1632 of the Civil Code, and any other language spoken by at least 10 percent of the people residing in its service area. The policy shall include all of the following:
(1) A plan for deferred or reduced payments.
(2) Alternative payment schedules.
(3) A formal mechanism for a customer to contest or appeal a bill.
(4) A telephone number for a customer to contact to discuss options for averting discontinuation of residential service for nonpayment.
(b) The policy shall be available on the urban and community water system’s Internet Web site, if an Internet Web site exists. If an Internet Web site does not exist, the urban and community water system shall provide the policy to customers in writing, upon request.
(c) (1) The board may enforce the requirements of this section pursuant to Sections 116577, 116650, and 116655. The provisions of Section 116585 and Article 10 (commencing with Section 116700) of Chapter 4 apply to enforcement undertaken for a violation of this section.
(2) All moneys collected pursuant to this subdivision shall be deposited in the Safe Drinking Water Account established pursuant to Section 116590.
(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 891, Sec. 2. (SB 998) Effective January 1, 2019.)