Published on October 26, 2026
On Sunday, Nov. 1, the new City of Lawrence Water Service Disconnection Policy will go into effect. Under this policy, water service disconnections will be paused during periods of extreme cold weather. "We've heard from several community members asking the City to consider pausing water service disconnections during the winter months," said Kristy Webb, Utility Billing Manager. "With this new policy, our goal is increased safety — both for community members who will maintain their access to water and for the City staff members who go out and physically disconnect water services, which can be challenging in cold weather." Following the new Water Service Disconnection Policy, disconnections will be suspended when any of the following conditions are met from November 1 - March 31:
Forecasted low temperatures remain below 35 degrees Fahrenheit for a 24-hour period.
Conditions pose risks to staff safety, meters, or service lines.
Emergency cold conditions require additional caution.
When the conditions for the suspension of water service disconnections are met, City staff will stop physical shutoffs and eligible customers will be notified through cold weather communication practices. Staff may leave door tags at locations that otherwise would have been disconnected. If a disconnection is skipped, the account will be eligible again the next month unless appropriate payment is made. Water Service Disconnections will resume when low temperatures rise to 35 degrees Fahrenheit or more for a 24-hour period. This policy applies to all residential and commercial water utility accounts served by the City of Lawrence. A water utility account is eligible for disconnection when it meets all standard criteria for water shutoff based on nonpayment. Payment Arrangements When circumstances make it difficult to pay their monthly bill by the due date, eligible utility billing customers with an outstanding balance can make a payment arrangement with the City of Lawrence. To qualify for a payment arrangement:
The customer must be two months or more past due with a past due balance of $150 or more.
The customer must not have had a previous payment arrangement with the City of Lawrence in the last 12 months.
To request a payment arrangement, customers can complete the payment arrangement request form on the City website. Payment arrangements will be set up for a maximum of three months. A payment of 50% of the total balance is required upfront before a payment arrangement will be processed. Monthly payment arrangement payments are due at the same time as your monthly bill due date. Contact: City Communications, citycommunications@lawrenceks.gov About the City of Lawrence The City of Lawrence supports an unmistakably vibrant community with innovative, equitable, transparent and responsible local government. Together, we are creating a community where everyone can enjoy life and feel at home.