Shutoffs Resume For Passaic Valley Water Commission Customers April 3

CLIFTON, NJ — A North Jersey water supplier will resume shutoffs for customers late on their bills, as the state's winter termination program has ended.

The Passaic Valley Water Commission said it will begin stopping water service for delinquent accounts as of April 3. The utility supplier said it has made "frequent attempts" to contact customers who are behind on their bills.

“We understand these are difficult times for many of our customers, and we have done everything in our power to work with them and to provide assistance where possible,” said PVWC Executive Director Jim Mueller in a statement. “However, as a utility company, we also have a responsibility to ensure that our customers pay for the services they receive."

The annual "winter termination program" protects certain NJ residents from having their water, gas, sewer, or electric service shut off in the winter, between Nov. 15 and March 15 of each year. This includes people enrolled in Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, and recipients of benefits under the Federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Related article — Utility Shutoffs Resume As NJ's Winter Termination Program Ends

The Passaic Valley Water Commission offers a no-interest payment plan for customers (call 973-340-4300). and enrolled in the state's Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) last summer. Customers may apply for LIHWAP aid.

The PVWC serves about 800,000 customers in Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Morris counties and is owned by the cities of Paterson, Clifton, and Passaic.

Customers may visit pvwc.com or call customer service at 973-340-4300 for more information.