S.F. No. 3417 Summary

• Establishes comprehensive consumer protections for residential water service provided by municipal utilities, including requirements for service provision, billing, deposits, disconnection procedures, and dispute resolution.

• Requires municipalities to provide new water service to applicants unless specific permissible reasons exist; limits deposits based on customer payment history and income; and mandates affordability programs for low-income customers.

• Regulates disconnection procedures with notice requirements varying by season (10-13 business days April 16-October 14; 20-23 business days October 15-April 15) and prohibits disconnection for health threats or during extreme heat warnings.

• Requires municipalities to offer installment payment agreements for unpaid balances based on customer financial circumstances and establishes dispute resolution procedures with appeals to impartial third parties.

• Allows municipalities to establish lower rates for low-income and elderly customers and limits late payment fees to 1.5% per month; also amends tenant rights regarding utility disconnection in multifamily buildings.