Ventura Water Launches BRIDGE Program to Provide Temporary Billing Relief

The City of Ventura recognizes that some of our customers may have experienced a loss of wages or benefits as a result of the federal government shut-down In response, The City of Ventura will be suspending all collection activity and water shut offs to Ventura Water customers who themselves, or someone in their household, have been furloughed, are working without pay, and those whose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been suspended. The Billing Relief Initiative During Government Emergencies (BRIDGE) Program will ensure that water services will not be interrupted, and door tags and penalty fees will not be assessed during the shutdown period. At the conclusion of the shutdown, participants will be required to have an installment plan or payment arrangement for any remaining past-due balances.

If you or someone in your home meets the criteria, you may participate by completing the form below and submitting proof of employment with the federal government (employment identification or a letter from the federal employer), or enrollment in SNAP, along with a copy of your water bill. Once approved, the water/wastewater account will be given special consideration, and all collection activity will be suspended through March 31, 2026, or until the end of the federal shutdown, whichever occurs later.

Once concluded, the Utility Billing Customer Care staff will review each account and contact those customers who have not entered into a payment arrangement or installment agreement. Please note that any account without a payment arrangement or installment agreement at the end of the federal shutdown is subject to additional penalties and water shut-offs.

Read the full press release