Notice and timing
How delinquency is handled
Grace period after the due date
The Commission states that bills become delinquent 30 days from the billing date. It does not publish a separate grace-period number after the printed due date; customers should treat the printed due date and the 30-day delinquency rule as controlling and allow three to five days for mailed payments to process.
Late-fee calculation
Overdue balances accrue a late charge at 12% annual percentage rate under the Commission’s payment rules. The public instructions do not identify a separate flat late fee or a tiered penalty, so the amount should be calculated from the outstanding balance and delinquency duration shown on the account. Returned or rejected payments may create additional service or collection consequences; customers with a delinquent final notice are directed to call 413-452-1393 rather than submit a payment that may post too late.
Disconnection timeline
The published progression is tied to the billing date: the account becomes delinquent 30 days after the bill date. If the balance remains unpaid, the Commission issues a final notice and demand, and the notice gives the customer 15 days to bring the account current before water service may be shut off. In practical terms, a shutoff can occur about 45 days after the original billing date, subject to the actual notice and account status. Customers should call 413-452-1393 immediately if a final notice has been issued because shutoff and turn-on fees may apply and mail processing takes three to five days.