A water shutoff notice is one of the most stressful pieces of mail you can receive. Water is not optional — you need it to drink, cook, bathe, and keep your home habitable. Yet in 2026, the average American water bill has climbed to $73 per month, and families in older cities with aging infrastructure pay even more. The EPA estimates that 1 in 3 American households struggle to afford their water bills. If you are behind on your water payment and worried about disconnection, there are real programs designed specifically to help — and most of them can be accessed today.
While assistance programs can clear your immediate balance, building a small income stream prevents the next water bill from becoming another crisis. With apps like I am Beezy, you can earn $5 to $15 per day from your phone viewing content — enough to cover your monthly water bill and then some, without a second job or fixed schedule. But right now, let us focus on getting your water bill paid and keeping the taps running.
Federal Programs That Help with Water Bills
LIHWAP — the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
LIHWAP is the most significant federal water assistance program in US history. Originally funded through pandemic-era legislation, the program has been extended in many states through 2026. LIHWAP provides direct payments to water and wastewater utilities on behalf of eligible low-income households. Depending on your state and circumstances, you may receive anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars in water bill assistance. Eligibility is generally based on household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, though many states have expanded this threshold. Apply through your state's LIHWAP administrator — typically the same agency that handles LIHEAP energy assistance.
LIHEAP — it covers water too in some states
While LIHEAP is primarily known for heating and cooling assistance, several states allow LIHEAP funds to be used for water bills, particularly when water heating is part of the utility cost. States including California, New York, and Illinois have used LIHEAP flexibility provisions to extend assistance to water utilities. Contact your local LIHEAP office or dial 211 to find out whether your state covers water under its energy assistance program.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Many cities and counties use federal CDBG funds to operate local utility assistance programs, including water bill help. These programs are administered at the local level, so the name and application process vary by location. Your city's community development office or housing authority can tell you whether CDBG-funded water assistance is available in your area.
| Program | Average Assistance | Income Limit | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIHWAP | $500-$2,000+ | 150% FPL (varies by state) | State LIHWAP administrator |
| LIHEAP (water-eligible states) | $200-$500 | 150% FPL | Local LIHEAP office |
| CDBG local programs | $100-$500 | Varies by city | City community development office |
| Water utility hardship programs | Discount or payment plan | Varies by utility | Call your water company |
| Salvation Army | $100-$300 | Demonstrated need | Local Salvation Army office |
| St. Vincent de Paul | $50-$300 | No formal limit | Local parish or chapter |
State and Local Water Assistance Options
Your water utility's own assistance program
Most municipal water utilities and private water companies operate their own customer assistance programs (CAPs). These can include discounted rates for low-income households, flexible payment plans, debt forgiveness programs, and hardship exemptions from late fees. Call the phone number on your water bill and ask specifically about their low-income assistance program. Many utilities also have crisis funds that can prevent shutoff with a single phone call — but you have to ask for it, because they rarely advertise these programs.
Nonprofit organizations that pay water bills
Organizations like the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and local community action agencies all provide water bill assistance. The amount typically ranges from $50 to $500, depending on the organization and available funding. Most require proof of the past-due amount, identification, and proof of income. Some organizations can process emergency payments within 24 to 48 hours if you have a shutoff date approaching. Call 211 to find out which nonprofits in your area currently have water bill assistance funding available.
State-specific water assistance programs
Several states have created their own dedicated water assistance programs beyond the federal options. California's Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (CA-LIHWAP) has distributed over $116 million since 2022. New York's Water Assistance Program provides up to $2,400 per household. Texas operates emergency water bill assistance through its Community Action Agencies. Check with your state's Department of Human Services or visit 211.org to find state-specific programs.
How to Prevent Future Water Bill Crises
Reduce your water usage without sacrificing comfort
While you work on getting your current bill covered, take steps to lower future bills. Fix any leaking faucets or running toilets — a single running toilet can waste 200 gallons per day and add $50 or more to your monthly bill. Take shorter showers, run the dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads, and water your yard (if you have one) early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Many water utilities also offer free water audits that identify where your household is using the most water.
Build a small financial buffer with your phone
The average US water bill is $73 per month. With I am Beezy, spending just 15 minutes a day viewing content on your cell phone generates enough to cover that bill entirely. Active users report earning $150 to $300 per month, which means your water bill is handled with room left over for other essentials. The referral program adds additional income when friends and family sign up through your link — turning one phone into a household utility payment system.
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost | Beezy Time to Cover It |
|---|---|---|
| Water bill | $73 | 10 min/day |
| Electric bill | $137 | 15-20 min/day |
| Gas bill | $65 | 8 min/day |
| Internet bill | $75 | 10 min/day |
| All four utilities combined | $350 | 30 min/day |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my water be shut off if I cannot pay the bill?
Laws vary by state, but most states require water utilities to provide written notice (typically 10 to 30 days) before disconnection. Many states prohibit shutoffs during extreme weather, for households with elderly or disabled residents, or for families with young children. Some states have moratoriums on water shutoffs for low-income households. Check your state's utility commission rules or call 211 to understand your rights.
How do I apply for LIHWAP water assistance?
Contact your state's LIHWAP administrator, which is usually the same agency that runs LIHEAP (energy assistance). You can find your state's program by dialing 211, visiting benefits.gov, or searching your state name plus "LIHWAP" online. You will need to provide proof of income, a copy of your water bill, and identification. Many states allow online applications.
What if I rent and water is included in my lease?
If your landlord pays the water bill and threatens to shut off water or charge you separately for unpaid amounts, you may have legal protections under your state's tenant rights laws. Contact your local legal aid office or tenant rights organization. If water is billed to you directly even though you rent, you can still apply for all the assistance programs listed in this article.
Will water bill assistance affect my credit score?
Receiving assistance to pay your water bill does not negatively affect your credit score. In fact, getting your bill paid before it goes to collections protects your credit. Unpaid utility bills that are sent to collections agencies do appear on credit reports and can lower your score by 50 to 100 points. Getting help now prevents credit damage later.
Take Action Before the Shutoff Date
If you have a water shutoff notice, act today. Call your water utility to ask about hardship programs and payment plans. Apply for LIHWAP through your state's administrator. Contact 211 to find every local program that can help. And for the long run, start building a small daily income stream that ensures next month's water bill is covered before it even arrives. Join I am Beezy for free and turn a few minutes of your day into the financial cushion that keeps your utilities on and your family comfortable.
