The San Diego County Water Authority secured financial aid for low-income water customers in the region who are struggling to pay for water or wastewater bills.
The federally funded Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) offers one-time payments to cover outstanding residential water and/or wastewater bills. The program could pay up to $2,000 in water or wastewater bills.
“Water affordability is one of the top priorities for the Water Authority, and we are committed to helping ensure that everyone in San Diego County has access to safe and reliable water,” said Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl.
The Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County (MAAC) and Campesinos Unidos, Inc, are selected by the state to provide outreach and education that ensures residents who are struggling economically are aware of the funding. Customers are instructed to apply directly to MAAC or Campesinos before August 2023 in order to qualify for the program.
Qualified low-income households, including renters whose utility payments are included in their rent, are eligible for funds. According to the San Diego county water authority, residents can determine their local service provider at www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/FindServicesInYourArea.aspx, by entering their city and locating their “water utility assistance provider.”
“The pandemic and the resulting economic crisis took a devastating toll on the communities we serve, straining their ability to afford basic needs like water,” said Arnulfo Manriquez, President and Chief Executive Officer of MAAC, one of the leading providers of comprehensive social services in San Diego County. “LIHWAP will ensure all San Diegans have equitable access to a basic human right – safe and affordable water.”
Manriquez said the financial aid opens an opportunity for individuals and families to manage their water utility costs, and attain economic security.
“We are proud to partner with the Water Authority and Campesinos Unidos to ensure a brighter future for our community,” Manriquez said in a news release.
According to Kerl, the San Diego County Water Agency is also advocating for state and federal agencies to cover more infrastructure costs and has given member agencies more than $90 million from ratepayer protection lawsuits that we have won.
