Struggling to Pay Your Water Bill? Here’s How to Get Help

Paying your monthly water bill is essential for maintaining access to clean drinking water and sanitation services. However, for many households affording this basic necessity can be a challenge. If you are having trouble paying your water bill each month, there are resources available to help. This article will provide an overview of programs that offer financial assistance for water bills eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

Federal Assistance for Water Bills

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provided funds to help low-income households pay water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP was established in late 2020 and was administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program provided grants to states, territories tribes and tribal organizations to run local LIHWAP programs.

LIHWAP funds could be used for:

• Assistance paying water and wastewater bills
• Reconnection fees
• Arrearages
• Rate reductions

Unfortunately, LIHWAP funding ended on March 31, 2024. New applications are no longer being accepted. However, LIHWAP granted a supplemental benefit in May 2024 to previously assisted households.

While LIHWAP is no longer active, it served over 1 million households and provided critical assistance during its 2+ years of operation.

Other Federal Programs

With LIHWAP ended, individuals in need of water bill assistance can check out Benefits.gov to find other federal programs they may qualify for. Some options include:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP provides grants to help pay heating and cooling bills. Some local LIHEAP programs may also offer assistance for water heating costs.

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Provides cash assistance for very low-income families with children. Funds could potentially be used for water bills.

• Section 8 Housing Vouchers: Helps pay rent for low-income tenants. Water bills may be covered if they are included in rent.

Reaching out to your local Community Action Agency is also recommended, as they administer various federal and local assistance programs.

State and Local Assistance Programs

Along with federal options, many states and utilities run their own water bill assistance programs. Availability and eligibility varies greatly based on your location.

California Water Bill Assistance

In California, the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) administered LIHWAP at the state level. With LIHWAP ended, California residents can check out the following programs:

• Low-Income Ratepayer Assistance (LIRA): Offers 20% discount on water bills for qualifying households. Administered by utility providers.

• Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA): Provides 18% discount on electric bills and 20% on natural gas bills for households below 200% of the federal poverty level. Some utilities allow FERA recipients to also receive water bill discounts.

• Utility Company Programs: Many California water utilities like California Water Service offer individual assistance programs. These provide one-time grants or discounts to customers in need.

Other State & Local Programs

Options available in your area depend on the state and utility provider. Some common types of assistance include:

• One-time bill payment grants
• Percentage discounts for low-income customers
• Flexible payment plans
• Water conservation rebates
• Water rate assistance programs

Reaching out to your local utility and checking their website is the best way to find programs for your area. Your state or county’s health and human services department may also have information on water assistance options.

How to Apply for Water Bill Assistance

Applying for water bill assistance begins by determining what programs are available in your area.

• Check with your utility provider: The best place to start is by calling your water company directly. They can walk through available options, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

• Contact local programs: Such as Community Action Agencies and state/county health and human services departments. Explain your situation and they can help identify programs you qualify for.

• Research online: Your utility company and government department websites are great resources for finding programs. You can also search for your state/city + “water bill assistance” to find local options.

Once you’ve identified programs, the application process typically involves:

• Completing an application: Usually requires providing household and income information. May be done online, in-person, over the phone, or by mail.

• Submitting income documentation: Most programs require submitting pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income to confirm eligibility.

• Following up on application status: You will need to follow up with the administering agency to check if your application was approved.

• Providing account info: If approved, you’ll need to provide your water account number so the benefit can be applied.

Applying widely to any program you may qualify for is encouraged, as demand for assistance often exceeds available funding. With persistence and following up on all options, you can hopefully find a program to help ease the cost of your water bills.

Additional Ways to Reduce Water Utility Costs

Along with financial assistance programs, there are steps you can take to help lower your monthly water and sewer bills:

• Monitor your usage: Track your daily and monthly water usage to identify where you can conserve. Look for leaks, run full loads in the washer/dishwasher, take shorter showers, and avoid wasted water.

• Use water-efficient fixtures: Install low-flow faucet aerators, showerheads, toilets, and other fixtures. Look for rebate programs in your area to help offset costs.

• Check for billing errors: Review your monthly bill in detail and check for double charges, estimate reading errors, or other incorrect fees. Notify your provider immediately if you find any.

• Enroll in budget billing: Programs that average your costs over 12 months can help avoid bill spikes in high-usage seasons. Check if your utility offers this.

• Request an extension: If your balance is due, call your provider to request a due date extension or make payment arrangements. Avoid late fees or immediate shut-off.

• Appeal a denial: If denied assistance, appeal the decision if you believe your application was wrongly rejected. Provide added documentation if needed.

Using a combination of financial assistance, conservation practices, billing adjustments, and payment plans can help significantly lower the strain of water costs on your monthly budget.

Don’t Wait to Get Help with Your Water Bill

Access to water is a basic human need, and no one should have to go without it due to cost alone. If paying your water bill has become difficult, now is the time to seek assistance. Although funding is limited, you may qualify for federal, state, or local programs offering discounts, grants, and flexible payment options. Reach out to your utility provider, local health and human services agencies, or research online to start the application process. With some persistence, you can find an option to help ease your water costs and keep this critical service flowing in your home.