Most of the help that may be provided with a water bill is local. It comes from the company that sends your bill, from your city or county, and from nonprofits in your area, so what you can get depends on where you live. Use this page to find your state, then your city or water provider, and open the page that covers the programs there.

The help these programs offer usually comes in a few forms: a lower rate for low-income customers or people on a fixed income, a payment plan for a balance you already owe, protection from having your service shut off, and in some instances one-time emergency money during a crisis. Many programs focus on seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children, but anyone who is struggling can ask.

These programs are rarely well known and not openly discussed. Even if your provider is not on the list below, call them and ask what they offer for customers who are behind or on a low income. Many will only set something up if you ask for it.

Water bill assistance available in most areas

Some options are not tied to one city, so you can pursue it no matter where you live.

Start with your own water company. Most run a low-income discount, set up payment plans, and can hold off a shut-off while you catch up, but these are things you have to ask for. This site's guide to getting help with a water bill explains how each one works and how to qualify.

The only federal program made just for water bills, LIHWAP, no longer receives federal money, but several states fund their own version of it, so it is worth checking where you live. LIHEAP, the energy-bill assistance program, reaches water or sewer bills in some states too. You apply for either through a local community action agency or county office. See this site's LIHWAP equivalent options and guide to LIHEAP.

Community action agencies operate in nearly every county. They can sometimes put money toward a shut-off, help you apply for energy or water assistance, or work out a plan with your provider. Find yours through this site's directory of community action agencies.

You can also call 211, the United Way's free helpline, which connects you to local programs that help with water and utility bills. It is reachable by phone or online at 211's utilities help page at https://www.211.org/get-help/utilities-expenses.

Charities such as the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and Catholic Charities occasionally cover a water bill in a real emergency, but their money is limited and a water bill is a low priority for most of them. Treat them as a last resort, and start with this site's guide of charities that may help with bills.

Water bill help by state and city

Find your state below, then your city or water provider. Even if your area is not listed yet, the resources above can still point you toward help.

Arizona

Arkansas