As spring has turned into summer, the impacts of the Covid-19 Emergency continue to evolve and re-define “normal” operations at the District (making it difficult to reflect the status of operations over the two-month cycle of this Newsletter). Where the early period of the virus spread resulted in a shift to minimal on-site staffing to prevent the spread of the virus, the recent trend has been to restore most of the field and plant operations to on-site work. The Administration Department continues to operate fully, but a number of staff members are working remotely as jobs will permit. Following requirements set by the Governor, the Board has been conducting Board meetings remotely using the Zoom web platform (this may have changed by the time this Newsletter reaches you). The one constant throughout the Covid-19 Emergency is that the water and sewer systems have remained fully operational, allowing the District to provide uninterrupted service throughout the period.
With the phased re opening of the state, the situation continues to change. Management staff has completed Safe Return to Work Plans for all departments in anticipation of the return of all staff to on-site work. The Plans include detailed provisions to comply with CDC and local health guidelines to enhance worker safety and protect others from the spread of the coronavirus by District employees.
As of the beginning of July, the main office remains closed to the public. This means that you will still need to pay bills on-line, over the phone, by mail, or by using the drop-box across from the main office entrance. We also are following the Governor’s restrictions on shutting water service off to customers who are unable to pay monthly rates for water and sewer service. The District has developed a “Delinquent Account Payment Plan” that allows customers the opportunity to pay delinquent bills in installments while making partial payments on current bills. For further information on the plan, please go to the District’s website.