News Briefs: Utilities Throughout Nation Suspend Water Disconnections During Pandemic

Municipal sewer and water utilities around country are adopting various policies to suspend water shutoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic. To name just a few that have made recent appearances in the news, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission suspended all power and water shutoffs and dismissed late fees on overdue payments; Tennessee American Water temporarily suspended service disconnections; Viroqua (Wisconsin) Utilities will not disconnect service for nonpayment until the state’s emergency declaration is lifted; Illinois American Water, Ameren, ComEd and Nicor have announced putting a hold on shutoffs during the coronavirus outbreak; and New York’s major water, electric and gas utilities