Crescent City Water Department Deposit (Redding: low income, apartment, credit rating)

[SOCAL_John]

I recently moved to Crescent City CA and went to the Water Department to get the Water turned on in my house. The clerk tells they need a $250.00 to turn the Water on. The deposit will be returned or applied to future payments after one year. Wow, is that a little excessive? Why can't they go by credit rating?

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by SOCAL_John

I recently moved to Crescent City CA and went to the Water Department to get the Water turned on in my house. The clerk tells they need a $250.00 to turn the Water on. The deposit will be returned or applied to future payments after one year. Wow, is that a little excessive? Why can't they go by credit rating?

Where I live, they required something like $150 just take my name off the acc't at my old address and put it on my new address. They took the check, but never carried out the switch! It's a scam.

[JGC97]

Some municipalities will accept a letter of credit from other utility companies, in lieu of a deposit. PG&E is one company that makes a letter available if you are a customer. $250 or even $150 seems excessive to me, though. Moving costs are expensive enough without that additional ding to your wallet.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

I don't pay for water at my apartment. But, when I moved to Redding, there was a large deposit for my electricity. The rule is you can't have any late payments for a year, to get your deposit back. I had one late payment, and they reset the year from that date! Then, when I moved, it took about 3 months to get my deposit refund. I kept having to contact them over and over. It was a major pain and they made it super difficult. Makes you wonder if it's a scam, too.

If you're low income, I suggest you ask if there are any breaks for low-income people for your water bill. There are for your electricity through Pacific Power.

https://www.pacificpower.net/assistance

http://www.liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/profiles/California.htm