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DWP

Division of Water and Power

Answer

What if you are experiencing financial hardship, you are a landowner and your land is not leased?

BIA may approve a Payment Plan per 25 CFR § 171.550 if:

  • You certify that you are financially unable to make a lump sum payment;
  • You provide additional information we request, which may include information identified in 31 CFR 901.8, ‘‘Collection in installments’’; and
  • You sign our Payment Plan containing terms and conditions we specify.

Contact your local irrigation office to get started. You must apply within 30 days of the bill due date.

Answer

What if I filed for bankruptcy?

You should ensure that any amounts owed to BIA on the date of your petition for bankruptcy are reflected on your schedules and statement of financial affairs. If you did not include your BIA debt, you should amend those documents to reflect the debt owed to BIA, and ensure BIA is treated equitably under your plan. You should provide notice of the bankruptcy to your local irrigation office.

If the irrigation bill was issued after the date of your bankruptcy petition you should pay the bill, it is not impacted by your bankruptcy filing.

Answer

What can happen if I don't pay my bill on time?

  • BIA will not provide you with irrigation service until your bill is paid or you arrange a payment plan within 30 calendar days after the due date.

  • If you do not pay your bill prior to the close of business on the 30th day after the due date, BIA considers your bill past due. The BIA will send you a notice and assess you with the following:

    • interest at the rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3717 from the original due date;

    • an administrative charge of $12.50; and

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