Due to the hardship for some federal workers created by the partial U.S. government shutdown, Baltimore Mayor Catherine E. Pugh has approved the waiver of late fees on water bills for furloughed federal employees and affected contractors who are customers of the Baltimore City water system.

“This shutdown – now the longest ever – is creating financial constraints on hundreds of thousands of hard-working people, many of whom live in Baltimore,” said Mayor Pugh. “They deserve our compassion, and we can begin to provide that by not punishing our customers when their water bills get paid late.”

Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., director of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW), said impacted federal workers and federal contractors will be eligible for water bill payment plans, allowing them to pay off their bills over time once the government shutdown ends and employees again receive paychecks.

“DPW stands for public service, and the public servants who are going without an income deserve our consideration,” said Director Chow. “Waiving late fees and setting up payment plans is one way we can provide some assistance.”

The waiver extends to furloughed federal workers and affected federal government contractors in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Eligible DPW water customers should send a copy of their work ID and/or a copy of their furlough letter to DPW Customer Support and Services Division, 200 Holliday St., First Floor, Room 8, Baltimore, MD 21202. For quicker service, a picture of the ID or letter can be emailed to DPW.Billing@baltimorecity.gov. Please also include the name, address, and account number, and indicate if you would like to set up a payment plan as well as a late fee waiver.

Any customer who falls behind in their bills may request a repayment plan to help them become current. Contact Customer Support at the email address above or call 410-396-5398 to discuss your account. Customers with a household income within 175 percent of federal poverty level may qualify for a one-time credit of $236 toward a payment plan.