The resolution declares an emergency regarding the need to amend the Language Access Act of 2004 to include the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) as a covered entity with significant public contact. It also seeks to amend the District of Columbia Public Works Act of 1954 to mandate that DC Water provide monthly reports on disconnections to the Council, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of the Tenant Advocate. Additionally, the resolution aims to clarify the imposition of late payment charges for water service and modify notice requirements for disconnections to ensure that vulnerable populations, such as seniors and individuals with disabilities, are not adversely affected by water service shutoffs.

The resolution highlights the challenges faced by tenants in multifamily buildings who may be unaware of their landlord's unpaid water bills, leading to disconnections that impact them despite their timely rent payments. It emphasizes the need for better communication and reporting from DC Water to assist affected residents and enable the Council to make informed decisions regarding disconnection processes. The emergency legislation is deemed necessary to affirm DC Water's authority to impose late fees on water service arrearages and to enhance oversight of disconnection activities, thereby protecting residents and ensuring accountability.