Contractors are being informed there's no money for them either, and the Philadelphia Water Department is among those getting the notice.
The city received a form letter, addressed to "Dear Contractor," saying the Federal Bureau of Prisons would be unable to pay its water bill until an appropriation is made. The bureau clearly expects the water to stay on at the Federal Detention Center, noting in the letter it's determined the water service is necessary to protect life and property.
READ: Wolf updates Pa. efforts to mitigate shutdown impact
It promises retroactive payment when the shutdown is over, including interest.
The letter closes by thanking the department for "continued partnership and...co-operation as we work together to manage these difficult circumstances."
The bureau responded to a request for comment with an email saying responses would be delayed due to the shutdown.
The city declined to comment.