A Local non-profit community resource
for those in need and those who help them

Water Assistance
Assistance will be provided to individuals whose water payments are past due and subject to disconnection. Current utility bill must be submitted at time of the appointment. A maximum of $50 will be allowed for water assistance. Click here for the Georgia office nearest you.

Get help paying water bills
Customers struggling with paying their water bills have a number of assistance programs they can turn to. Non-profit organizations, charities, churches, and government organizations may all offer assistance. Most of the programs have income limits in place, and will only help if a household is faced with a shut off of their water service. Some of the options are below.

• American Water operates dozens of companies across the nation, including in Florida, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, and Massachusetts. They have resources they offer to those who need help paying their water bills, including the Low Income Payment Program as well as H2O Help to Others.
• Find an extensive listing of resources offered by non-profits, charities, government programs, and some payment plans that may be offered directly by water companies. Find details on water bill assistance from local organizations.

Low Income Payment Program (LIPP)  As soon as you think you may fall behind on your water bills, you are strongly encourage to call the customer service department of your water provider to learn about the options available to you. While direct financial aid is not common, they may offer you a plan that will help you pay the balance of the water bill over time in some form of installment program. In addition, you may also be eligible to receive assistance on your water bill from the Low Income Payment Program and/or the H2O Help to Others Program.

The Low Income Payment Program (LIPP) from American Water expands upon the H2O Help to Others Program mentioned below. It will take that plan one step further by providing aid to the most economically challenged American Water customers. The assistance provided, which can be in the form of a credit or installment plan on your account, can be equivalent to as much as 20% of a customer’s total monthly bill. This will depend on a few factors including eligibility, income, and family size. In addition, depending on the state you live in, there may be cash grants offered as part of this program as well. To qualify for this LIPP assistance program there are some limits on the total monthly household income, and the criteria will vary based upon area and state. Contact them to learn more about the criteria and program, as well as learn how to apply.

H2O Help to Others Program The H2O Help to Others Program was created to assist those who need the most water bill assistance and are facing a possible shut off of their service. Customers who qualify for this program may receive a free cash grant of up to $500 to help them with paying their monthly water bill. The funds will be applied to any past due balance on your account.

Unfortunately a cash grant from the H2O Help to Others Program may not cover a recipients entire water bill. In certain cases, recipients of the grant money will still need to pay a portion of their water bill that will be based upon their income.

To qualify for the H2O Help to Others Program, the total monthly household income of the recipient may not exceed certain monthly thresholds, depending on the state and area in which you reside. Please contact American Water for more information and how to apply.

Yet another benefit of the H20 Help to Others Program is that American Water and the organizations that oversee the program will often connect customers with other resources and sources of financial aid in their local communities. So referrals and information is usually available on other charities, agencies, non-profits and assistance programs for which they might qualify for aid.

There are many benefits to the program. What has been experienced is that those who qualify for the water bill assistance program are also able to begin paying their water and other utility bills on time going forward. They also are usually able to start meeting other financial obligations and commitments and work towards long term self-sufficiency. Find additional ways to get help with utility bills, including LIHEAP and more.

  Water bill assistance programsMany water companies will do what they can to work with customers to help them keep their service on. They may offer payment plans, allow unpaid bills to be paid in installments, and other options. In addition, many counties across the nation have non-profit agencies, churches, or government programs that may offer cash assistance for paying water bills. While funding is almost always limited, and income criteria often need to be met, individuals should always look into their local resources. Find a listing of local assistance programs by state and county.

While not as common, certain charity type organizations like the Salvation Army, Saint Vincent DePaul, or Catholic Charities may provide financial help. Each of these groups will have limited funding. If they can assist with unpaid water bills, it will usually only be a last resort and when a family is facing an unexpected emergency. Read more.

Discounts, extensions and payment programs are available from some water companies. In addition, government mandated resources may be offered in certain states, counties, or cities that will provide discounts to income qualified households. While these payment plans are not common, they do exist in some areas. They can generally provide customers more time to pay their water bills and the programs may provide other forms of assistance as well. More on water bill payment plans.

  Water conservation and auditsIn addition, people can get free advice and information on how to reduce their monthly water bills, including information on the new government WaterSense program. Customers can also sign up for the American Water Water Wise home water survey. This program will have a company conservation specialist dispatched to the home, and they will perform a comprehensive water audit of the home for free. The specialist will thoroughly check the property for leaks, inefficient watering systems, and other areas of potential water savings. They will then create and provide the customer with a detailed, in-depth report that will document their personal water usage in addition to offering them tips on things they can do to save water and how to lower their water bills.

Lowndes County

Valdosta City Utilities
Water and Sewer Services
(229) 259-3510