Washington – Representatives Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11)and John Katko (NY-24) introduced the Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Program Act of 2019 Wednesday to address rising water and wastewater rates across the country.  The bill, introduced on Imagine a Day Without Water, directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish pilot programs to award grants to drinking water and wastewater utilities to assist low-income customers with paying their water bills.  The legislation also requires EPA to conduct a needs assessment for a permanent, nationwide water assistance program.

“Every American deserves access to clean water, regardless of location or income,” said Congresswoman Fudge.  “Families throughout Ohio’s 11th Congressional District and across the country already struggle with high sewer and waste water rates, potentially pricing many out of access to clean water.  The burdening costs of maintaining aging water systems to meet public health standards should not rest on the shoulders of our communities.  Access to clean water is a necessity and a right, not a luxury.  I appreciate the bipartisan and bicameral work accomplished to introduce this legislation that will ensure millions of vulnerable households never have to live without water.”

“Ensuring access to reliable and clean water sources must be a top priority for our nation,” said Congressman Katko.  “Improving our nation’s water infrastructure requires action across party lines in Congress, and I am proud to work with Rep. Fudge in introducing this bipartisan and bicameral measure that will allow all families access to clean water, regardless of income.” 

Similar legislation will be introduced by Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) in the Senate. 

“We all need clean, safe water but as the costs of maintaining our aging water systems rise, not all of us can afford it,” said Senator Cardin.  “If consumers cannot pay their water bills, then utilities cannot make the needed repairs and upgrades to their drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and the whole community suffers.  The Federal Government has a responsibility to make sure that our most vulnerable citizens have the water they need without being crushed by the financial burden of their basic needs.”

“Higher rates for drinking water and wastewater are especially harmful to low-income Americans,” said Senator Wicker.  “Our legislation would encourage utilities to use innovative measures to improve the affordability of their services, promoting access to water infrastructure improvements and economic opportunities in small and rural communities.  I look forward to working with Senator Cardin to advance this bill.”

Drinking water and wastewater utilities may use the grants to provide a variety of assistance services including, but not limited to: direct financial assistance, special hardship relief, bill discounting, water efficiency assistance.  Utilities must also submit an annual report to the EPA detailing the low-income assistance programs developed using the grant funds.

The bill is supported by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, and the Alliance for the Great Lakes.  

Imagine a Day Without Water is a national campaign to raise awareness about the value of water.

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