The District unfortunately cannot just waive your bills. Due to Prop. 218, approved by state voters in November 1996, which prohibits government agencies from allowing some customers to subsidize other customers. Doing so would be illegal for the District since we are a non-profit, government agency. We don’t make a penny on the water we sell. The reason electric companies, phone companies, and other utilities can offer discounts and bill forgiveness is that they are for-profit agencies.

However, there are some organizations out there that may be able to help you through these tough times.

The County’s 2021 Emergency Rent and Utilities Assistance Program (ERAP) helps eligible households in qualifying areas who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides payment assistance for renters who need help with rent and utilities. Applications will be accepted until funds are no longer available. Go to San Diego County Community Services for more details.

211: is a 24-hour phone referral service for people needing assistance with paying utility bills, food, health services, domestic violence assistance, shelter, and many other needs. When you call, you get an actual human on the phone who will do a database search to help you find solutions. Often, water bill funding is quickly depleted in San Diego County, but 211 researchers can help find potential funding for other utilities to offset costs. Go to www.211.org for more details.

Modest Needs Foundation: is a grant program. It is for unusual or emergency situations, and if approved, Modest Needs would pay the bill in its entirety. You would not be expected to repay the grant. For more details go to their website at www.modestneeds.org.

San Diego County United Way: is intended to help with utility bills, rent, and mortgage payments. It’s for low-wage workers who need support for a limited but undetermined length of time. Click on the link to find out more. https://uwsd.org/covid19/

Payment Plans: Per RMWD's Administrative Code Section 8.14.030 - Payment Extension Plan for Delinquent Bills 8.14.030.01 - Right of Customer "Any customer shall have the right to make a formal request to be placed on a Payment Extension Plan for any account on which they are delinquent by completing the required processes set forth below within thirteen (13) calendar days of receipt of a shut-off notice. Payment Extension Plans do not include current monthly charges; therefore, all current balances are to be paid in conjunction with any Payment Extension Plan agreed upon amounts. 1) Contact a District Customer Service Representative formally requesting being placed on a Payment Extension Plan specifying the amount of time necessary to amortize the unpaid balance of the account not to exceed twelve (12) months."

We can work with you to create a payment plan, stretching payments out over a year if necessary. Please give us a call at 760-728-1178 and we'll be happy to assist you.