Water bills can become difficult to manage when household income drops, bills increase, or an unexpected expense makes it harder to keep up with payments.
Depending on where you live, help may be available through your water utility, local government, community organizations, or other assistance programs. Some programs may offer bill assistance, payment arrangements, reduced rates, or emergency help to eligible households.
There is not currently a nationwide federal water-bill assistance program comparable to the former Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). LIHWAP provided water and wastewater bill assistance from 2021 through March 2024 before its funding ended.
Who May Qualify for Water Bill Assistance?
Requirements vary by program. Assistance may be available to households experiencing:
- Low or reduced income
- Temporary financial hardship
- Unpaid or overdue water bills
- Risk of water service disconnection
- High household utility costs
- A disability or medical circumstance
- Senior household members
- Other financial difficulties
Some programs may have income limits, while others may have specific requirements related to the water account or household situation.
Check What You May Qualify For
Finding water-bill assistance can be difficult because programs vary by location and may be offered through different organizations. OpenGrants Network helps you discover legitimate programs that may match your situation.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
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Available programs can vary based on income, location, household circumstances, and what's offered in your area.
Types of Help With Water Bills
Water Utility Payment Assistance
Some water companies offer assistance programs for customers experiencing financial hardship. Depending on the utility, assistance may include reduced rates, temporary payment arrangements, forgiveness of certain charges, or other forms of support. Contact the water provider listed on your bill and ask specifically about financial hardship assistance or water bill payment programs.
Payment Plans
If you cannot pay the entire balance, your water provider may allow you to arrange a payment plan. A payment arrangement can sometimes help prevent the account from becoming seriously delinquent, although availability and terms vary by utility.
Local Community Assistance
Community organizations may help households facing difficulty paying essential bills. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) networks can fund local services that include utility assistance, crisis assistance, housing support, and other services for eligible low-income households.
State and Local Assistance
Some states, counties, cities, or local agencies may operate water or utility assistance programs. Because eligibility and funding vary, checking your state or local social services agency can be useful when searching for available programs.
Emergency Assistance
If your water service has already been disconnected or you have received a shutoff notice, explain the situation when contacting your utility or local assistance agencies. Ask whether emergency assistance, a hardship arrangement, or a reconnection option is available.
Assistance With Other Utility Bills
If water is only one part of your household's financial difficulty, you may also qualify for help with other expenses. For example, LIHEAP can help eligible households with heating and cooling costs, while WAP can help improve household energy efficiency. These programs are for energy needs, not general water bills. Reducing another major utility expense may make it easier to keep up with your water bill.
How Water Bill Assistance Typically Works
- Check your water bill and identify the provider.
- Contact the water utility and ask about hardship programs.
- Ask about payment plans if you cannot pay the full balance.
- Search for local assistance programs through government and community agencies.
- Check income requirements before applying.
- Gather your bill, identification, income information, and household documents.
- Apply and follow up if additional information is requested.