SB 998 provides that a customer must be at least 60-days delinquent in payment of a utility bill before the water provider may terminate his or her services. This 60-day requirement before discontinuation of water service will apply to all of the City’s residential utility customers.

Resolution of the City Council

• SB 998

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Frequent questions

What is the SB 998 Bill?

Senate Bill 998 (SB 998), signed into law in September 28, 2018 and is referred to as "The Water Shutoff Protection Act", sets new restrictions on residential water service termination for nonpayment of a water utility bill.

SB 998 requires all public water systems to have a written policy on water services discontinuation for nonpayment which must also be available in several languages. Specifically, the provisions of the bill require the adoption of a written policy. The policy would be applicable to all residential water customers which will result in expanded notification procedures prior to service shutoff for nonpayment.  

How are Manteca City customers impacted by SB 998?

The City previously had a 48 days policy to shutoff for nonpayment; the bill requires the City to extend the number of days of delinquency before it shuts off services to 60 days.

This 60-day requirement before discontinuation of water service will apply to all of the City's residential utility customers. Additionally, the bill prohibits discontinuation of water service if all of the following conditions are met:

• A primary care provider certifies that discontinuation will be life-threatening or poses a serious threat to the the health and safety of a resident on the premises where service is provided; and
• A customer demonstrates he or she is financially unable to pay; and
• A customer is willing to enter an amortization agreement, alternative payment schedule, or plan for a deferred or reduced payment.

When will SB 998 take effect?

The City must comply with SB 998 as of February 1, 2020.

What are the reporting requirements?

City of Manteca will be required to report the number of annual residential water outages due to the inability to pay on the City's website and report the information to the State Board of Water Resources("Board"), where the Board also publishes on its website the information reported to the Board for urban water suppliers.

Where can I find a copy of the City's SB 998 policy?

The City's water shutoff policy can be found on this page.

Where can I obtain the necessary forms?

Certification of Primary Care Provider (Form 998-A)

Certification of Financial Hardship (Form 998-B)

Declaration of Household Income (Form 998-B2)

Contacting customer care 

The following contact information is provided for account inquiries or to discuss options for averting discontinuation of water service for nonpayment:

Customer service address:

1001 W. Center St. Ste. D

Lobby Hours: Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Phone numbers and web site address:

Customer service: (209) 456-8730

Fax: (209) 923-8930

E-mail: utilitystart@manteca.gov

Website: https://www.manteca.gov/finance

Reporting

The City had two hundred and twenty nine residential water service disconnections for nonpayment for the calendar year 2023. 

California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Program

The City has participated in the application process for the California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Program through the State Water Resource Control Board for the COVID-19 relief period of June 16, 2021 through December 31, 2022. If the City is selected to receive funds from the program those customers who are eligible will see a credit on their utility account. The City’s application is still under review.