DC Water’s Expanded Assistance Program is Taking Applications
The message below comes from DC Water regarding its assistance programs that can help some residents with high water bills.
DC Water is encouraging residents and non-profits to take advantage of the new assistance programs that went into effect this year and which offer significant new opportunities for savings.
The new expanded Customer Assistance Programs can help with water bills, including the increased costs of paying for the federally mandated cleanup of the Anacostia and Potomac River, along with Rock Creek. The Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) appears on water bills and is earmarked specifically to cover the costs of a deep underground tunnel system to prevent sewage from overflowing into District waterways.
That tunnel system has already diverted nearly 5 billion gallons of stormwater and sewage in its first year and is widely hailed as a resounding success.
“Some residents may not realize they qualify for the new CRIAC relief program,” said DC Water Board Chair and Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Director Tommy Wells. “We encourage residents to take a moment and to review the income guidelines to determine if they are eligible, and if so, to apply.”
In 2018, DC Water, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Council worked together to create this new $13 million customer assistance program. The benefits are earmarked for non-profits, including churches and cemeteries, along with a group of residential customers who might not previously have been eligible for help on their water bills.
To find out if you qualify and to apply, please visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1375571.