Having access to clean, safe drinking water is a basic necessity. But because of rising costs of living, it can be hard for low-income families to pay their water bill every month. You can get financial help through some programs if you’re having trouble paying for your home water service. In this guide, we’ll talk about the ways you can get help paying your water and sewer bill.
Who is eligible for water bill assistance?
Most water bill assistance programs are available to low-income households living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level Some key criteria these programs look for include
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Total annual household income – Your income must fall under a certain threshold, which varies by location and family size.
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High water burdens: it seems like a lot of your income goes toward your water and sewer bill.
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There is a chance that your service will be cut off if you can’t pay.
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Receiving other public benefits – If enrolled in LIHEAP, SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, etc.
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Seniors, disabled and families with young children may get priority.
LIHWAP assistance
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded, limited-term program that helps pay water and sewer bills for low-income families.
Key facts about LIHWAP:
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Provides up to $2,500 in water assistance per household
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Operates similarly to LIHEAP energy assistance
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Administered by states, territories and tribes
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Launched in 2021 using special COVID relief funds
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Ended on March 31, 2024 as funding expired
So LIHWAP was able to offer temporary relief, but is no longer active. Check with your state or local water assistance provider to see if any LIHWAP funds remain available.
Other utility bill help
Beyond the now-expired LIHWAP program, there are some other utility assistance options:
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LIHEAP – Primarily for heating bills, but some funds can pay water bills.
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State/local programs – Many areas have water assistance through welfare offices, nonprofits, etc.
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United Way – May have utility funds through local chapters. Call 211 to learn more.
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Utility company assistance – Check if your provider has any hardship programs or payment plans.
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Churches and charities – Organizations may be able to provide one-time grants or loans.
So explore all potential resources in your community that may be able to help with your specific water situation.
How to apply for water bill assistance
Applying for water assistance involves gathering documents, meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting an application:
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Determine eligibility – Confirm your household income falls under the program limits and meets other requirements.
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Gather required documents – This may include ID, income statements, water bills, lease agreements, etc.
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Complete application – Apply with the administering agency in your area. Can apply for LIHEAP and water aid together.
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Provide additional details if requested – Respond to any follow up questions or requests from the agency.
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Get decision – If approved, payment will be sent directly to your water provider to credit your account.
Be sure to reapply each year you continue to need assistance. Applications are typically open in the fall through early spring when heating bills increase.
Tips for affording your water bill
In addition to seeking assistance, there are also steps you can take to try keeping your household’s water and sewer costs affordable:
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Monitor usage – Check your bill each month and look for spikes that indicate leaks or waste.
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Use water wisely – Simple measures like taking shorter showers and only running full loads of laundry can help conserve.
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Look into discounts – See if your provider offers reduced rates for seniors, veterans, low-income households, etc.
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Appeal bill spikes – If your bill suddenly increased dramatically, request a review to check for errors.
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Enroll in budget billing – This averages costs to even out payments each month.
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Seek payment plans – If you fall behind, ask about arranging installment plans to catch up.
Controlling water costs where possible can reduce the overall burden. Combine conservation with subsidies and payment assistance to sustainably manage your household’s water and sewer expenses.
Water help is available
Having your water shut off creates health risks and compromises sanitation. But assistance is out there so do not hesitate to seek help if struggling with water bills. Be persistent applying to all possible resources, and take control of your usage and budget where you can. Managing affordable water service helps ensure the well-being and dignity of your entire household.
LIHWAP Data Dashboard Updates
LIHWAP serves over ONE MILLION households. See this milestone, and other important data, in the updated LIHWAP Data Dashboard . OCS has added Fiscal Year 2023 Quarter 3 reports from grant recipients, which cover the reporting period from April 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023.
Conducted in the spring and summer of 2023, the survey collected information from water and wastewater utilities across the United States about arrears, disconnections, fees, rates, and other utility information. The survey was intended to fill a gap in current knowledge related to these indicators on a national scale and to help LIHWAP grant recipients learn more about how they can best assist households in their service areas. 1,822 responses were included in analyses, coming from 49 states, the District of Columbia, 12 tribally-owned utilities, and one territory.
OCS – Main Navigation
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provided funds to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP grants were available to States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories, and Federally and state-recognized Indian Tribes and tribal organizations that received fiscal year 2021 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grants.
NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households cannot receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.
Please visit Benefits.gov to find out about other government benefit programs for which you may be eligible, and energyhelp.us to see if you are eligible for energy assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
We encourage you to seek assistance using these resources that may have information on water and wastewater assistance and other various essential resources:
- Community Action Agencies (CAA): CAAs are local government and nonprofit organizations that administer social service programs across the country. You can find contact information for your local agency at this link: communityactionpartnership.com/find-a-cap.
- United Way: Additional resource programs that may be available to assist you can be found by dialing the United Way at 2-1-1 or visiting www.unitedway.org. This resource is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Benefits.gov: Visit www.benefits.gov to find out about other government benefit programs for which you might be eligible.
- See this Water Assistance Resources (PDF) guide for information on how you can ask about water bill assistance in your local area.
- See this Water Assistance Resources (PDF) guide for information on where you can find help with your water well or septic system.
- Energy assistance: Energy assistance may be available to you through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). To find out more, visit energyhelp.us.
Please Note:
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) does not provide direct grants to individuals; LIHWAP does not charge a fee for receiving a benefit.
If you receive a message offering you a LIHWAP grant or requesting a fee, please contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477.
For more information, please visit the Grant Fraud and Scams.
Help paying your water bill
FAQ
Do local churches help with utility bills?
How to get help with utilities in PA?
What is the low-income water assistance program in Minnesota?
How can I get help with my water bill in North Carolina?
What should I do if I owe a water bill?
The most important step is to call your water system. Many water systems offer payment plans or temporary discounts on your bills if you can make a partial payment on what you owe. Contact your water system to explain your situation and ask about their payment plan options. Customers with limited income.
Can I make a partial payment on my water bill?
Many water systems offer payment plans or temporary discounts on your bills if you can make a partial payment on what you owe. Contact your water system to explain your situation and ask about their payment plan options. Customers with limited income. Washington State Department of Commerce Utility Assistance .
Where can I get help paying a bill?
Whether you need help paying one bill or many, or are looking for information to help someone else, you are not alone. Your local 211 agency has the most up-to-date information about local assistance that may be available to you. If you prefer to talk to someone, you can always call 211 to get connected to a local specialist.
What is a household water benefit?
The household water benefit is a temporary program created by Congress as part of a COVID-19 pandemic support package to assist households with high water bills. It is designed for households with the lowest incomes, and who pay a high proportion of income for drinking water or are facing water disconnection.