Intervalley Water Inc. (IWI) has suspended active collections and is temporarily deferring disconnections to customers for non-payment.
The measures were implemented as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, according to IWI President Anthony Nienhuis.
In an interview, Nienhuis said the rural water utility’s board of directors felt there may be many subscribers who are feeling the financial pinch.
“We know the impact of the current pandemic can affect household finances,” said Nienhuis. “And that is why we are taking these measures.”
The subscriber-owned and operated rural water utility sent a letter to its members March 21 advising them of the policy. The letter stated the health and safety of IWI employees and customers is a top priority. The IWI office in Martensville is currently closed to the public but administrative operations are being carried out remotely.
IWI customers are urged to use electronic payment methods. Nienhuis said any IWI customers who are concerned about their ability to pay their bills because of COVID-19 are encouraged to call the InterValley Water office at 306-242-6663 to arrange flexible payment arrangements. All customers are still responsible to pay for the water they use.
The IWI annual general meeting, normally slated for April, was postponed this year due to the pandemic, said Nienhuis. The meeting is the forum for election of board members and tabling the IWI’s financial statements.
“We’re in a very strong financial position,” said Nienhuis. “We’re very similar to last year in that we have positive cash flow and our revenues and expenses are very similar.
“In the coming year we’re looking to make some more improvements to the system. There are some line loops that are not yet completed, and we’d also like to make some efficiencies in the overall system.
“This year looks like a good year to make those investments, not just because of our strong financial position, but also because it could inject some money into the local economy,” he added.
The IWI board has not yet set the annual budget. Nienhuis said it’s more of a challenge to conduct meetings through video-conference, but they’re making it work.
He said last year’s expansion to Blumenheim was a big step for IWI.
“That was a highlight project for 2019 for sure,” said Nienhuis. “It’s not an easy area for excavation because there’s a lot of rock, but in the end it worked out to the benefit of everyone.”