Ohio EPA allowing water shutoffs starting Friday

LORAIN — Water shutoffs may start again Friday. A letter from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency noted the EPA is in the process of terminating its March 31 order that stayed disconnections for nonpayment. In a letter to Council, Mayor Jack Bradley noted he was working with the city's Utilities Department to develop "creative and flexible ways to provide services and access to affordable water to our residents." That includes providing a "significant grace period" after July 10, including possible interest-free payment plans for three to six months and working with nonprofits to help cover customers who fell behind after March 1. The city could also look at waiving connection and reconnection fees for customers. There are more than 2,800 residents with delinquent accounts, said Mary Springowski, D-at large. Referencing data she said she received from Utilities Director Paul Wilson, she said that as of June 30, those delinquencies total more than $1.3 million. The department is developing new payment plans focused on flexibility, Bradley said. It will also look at reducing "human error" so every ratepayer gets an accurate, monthly reading with "no guesswork involved." "We want to avoid shutoffs," Bradley said. "We'll be sending out postcards to all our customers so that they know the procedures that will be in place and try to work as best we can to avoid people having their water shut off and yet have them take care of their obligation to the city." Beth Henley, D-1st Ward, suggested looking into code improvements, especially in rental homes, that could reduce residents' bills. Greg Argenti, I-4th Ward, suggested incentives for autopay or early bill payment. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.