Phoenix plans to resume water-service disconnections for residential customers with delinquent City Services accounts beginning in November, ending a pause that began in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. City data show more than 9,000 accounts are seriously overdue, totaling nearly $24 million in unpaid balances. City officials say the balance has grown during the suspension and that returning to disconnections is necessary to keep the water system financially sound. A city review found Phoenix was the only Arizona city whose water utility did not disconnect residential service for significantly delinquent accounts. The city says it will notify customers in advance and give them an opportunity to pay. The order and pace of disconnections will depend on how much a customer owes and how long the account has been delinquent. Eligible customers can arrange an initial payment and pay the remaining balance over time. Customers must keep to the agreed schedule to retain service. Phoenix Water Services Director Brandy Kelso urged people who have fallen behind to contact the city early, saying the department wants to help customers get accounts back on track and make disconnection a last resort. Income-qualified households facing financial hardship may also seek help through the city’s Project Assist bill-payment program. Phoenix encourages residents to request assistance before receiving a final disconnection notice. Customers can check or pay an account online at https://payonline.phoenix.gov/eportal/ or call Phoenix customer service at 602-262-6251, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.