Council President Pro Tem Alexander submits resolution of support for residents at risk of having water services disconnected

Following a motion made by Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander, the Birmingham City Council voted to pass a resolution of support for those who are at risk of having their water service shut off by the Birmingham Water Works Board [BWWB] as a result of missed payments during the COVID-19 crisis.

On August 31, 2020, BWWB announced the end of the moratorium, which began March 11, 2020, on water and wastewater disconnections. That decision is set to go into effect this week.

Alexander said the Council and all elected leaders have an obligation to protect residents who are struggling because of the economic impact of the current public health crisis.

“I received an email from a group of concerned citizens who are raising the alarm about the decision by the Birmingham Water Works Board to resume disconnecting water services for those who are delinquent with their bills,” Alexander said. “Knowing that the Water Works is managed by its own board, I would like to ask my fellow councilors in joining me in a resolution of support for those account holders and keeping their water on during the ongoing public health crisis. These are perilous times and we have to make sure we are all working together to support people who are in need right now.”

The Council is urging the BWWB to delay cutoffs and suspension of delinquent water bills as result of nonpayment due to the pandemic. The next Utilities Committee Meeting, which is chaired by Alexander, will be conducted virtually on Tuesday, October 20, 2:00pm. This issue will be discussed and will be live streamed on the Birmingham City Council Facebook page.