What I Learned on a Porch

The truck idled in the street as we walked up steps to house's porch. I wore a company baseball cap and field shirt, along with requisite jeans. suppose looked part, but quickly would learn that was out of my element. knocked on door took step back wait for someone answer. No sooner had feet come rest front than partner shoved me; he pushed hard, knocking me awkwardly side “What for?” snapped. Without breaking his focus said, “Stay over there; will explain later,” just then opened. asked spend day water utility employees whose job it shut off service customers nonpayment. utility's chief financial officer, some unexplainable reason, felt need experience this part operations—and am glad did. After day, could see is one thing sit boardroom propose rates, late payment fees, shutoff process; completely different stand someone's porch tell them you are going turn their because My spoke friendly way woman who opened door—baby her arms—and explained why were there. She understood and, she shifted baby from arm other, what do. explained, nodded, said be later if not made payment. nodded again. Back idling partner, “Why did shove me?” His response simple: “Never door. You don't know through it.” message clear—not all interactions civil experienced. In 1978, AWWA wrote its first policy statement discontinuance Since then, board directors has voted either reaffirm or revise six times. last time 2017. 2020, COVID pandemic introduced more unknowns imagine, became evident: safe tap essential health, hygiene, safety everyone our communities, even they have paid bill while. With clarity without directive coordinated effort, 90% utilities surveyed by simultaneously suspended shutoffs nonpayment during 2020. At moment, something appeared changed, pressed pause seventh review of, possible revisions to, Research shows access resulting suspension lowered daily growth rate death COVID-19. For most “90%” utilities, never intended permanent. fact, new survey 63% allowed suspensions expire; 35% group, however, planning reinstate shutoffs. Perhaps long-term change heart, maybe recognition pandemic's economic impact continues utilities’ customers. Also, 25% still place before pandemic. Of 19% plan making What does mean sector AWWA's nonpayment? As writing, exactly know; process revising resumed, expected evaluate any approval January 2022. (Of course, happens boardroom.) look into crystal ball, considering learned pandemic, things seem likely incorporated revised statement. believe elevate importance protecting public top priority, acknowledge use collecting payments. also anticipate recognize ideally want minimize number must enforce. such, encourage approaches at same support health. To me, modifications like these reflect compromising integrity. One seems clear: really hard may needed walking set policy.