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Where to find help
| Source | What to ask for |
|---|---|
| Your water utility | Income-based discount, senior or disability discount, payment plan, leak adjustment, hardship fund |
| Community action agency | One-time bill help, plumbing repair referrals |
| 211 and charities | Emergency payments |
| Housing counselors / legal aid | Help if unpaid water bills threaten a lien or tax sale |
| Weatherization / repair programs | Fixing leaks and plumbing |
Find and fix leaks
- Toilet dye test: put food coloring in the tank; if color appears in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, the flapper leaks.
- Meter test: turn off all water, note the meter, wait two hours without using water; any change means a leak.
- Check faucets, showerheads, irrigation, and water heaters.
- Keep repair receipts and ask the utility for a leak adjustment or credit.
Payment plans and disputes
- Ask for a written payment plan with an amount you can afford.
- Dispute billing errors in writing and ask whether collection or shutoff is paused during the dispute.
- Ask about late fee waivers.
Renters
- If your landlord pays water and falls behind, some places protect tenants from shutoff; ask the utility.
- If you pay water through your rent or a ratio utility billing system (RUBS), check your lease and local rules on allocation.
- In subsidized housing, if you pay water, your utility allowance should account for it.
Liens and tax sales
In some cities, unpaid water and sewer charges become a lien on the property and can be added to property taxes or even lead to a tax sale. If you own your home and have a large water debt, contact the utility, a housing counselor, and legal aid early.
Understanding your water bill
Most bills have several parts:
| Charge | What it is |
|---|---|
| Base or service charge | Fixed monthly fee regardless of use |
| Water usage | Charged per 1,000 gallons or per hundred cubic feet (CCF); 1 CCF ≈ 748 gallons |
| Sewer | Often based on water use (sometimes on winter averages) |
| Stormwater | Based on property size or impervious surface |
| Trash or other municipal fees | Sometimes billed together |
If your bill jumped, compare usage (gallons or CCF) with past months. A higher rate alone may not explain a large increase—usage often does.
Common hidden leaks
- Toilet flappers and fill valves (the most common cause)
- Dripping faucets and showerheads
- Irrigation system leaks
- Water heater relief valves discharging
- Leaks in the service line between the meter and the house (look for soggy spots in the yard)
Water shutoff protections
Water service rules are often set by cities or local utilities. Protections, where they exist, may include:
- Advance written notice before shutoff
- Medical certificates delaying shutoff
- Payment plan requirements
- Limits on shutoffs for households with children, older adults, or during extreme heat
Ask your utility for its written shutoff policy and ask whether your state utility commission regulates it.
Lead service lines
Utilities are required under federal rules to inventory lead service lines, and many are replacing them. Ask whether your home has a lead or galvanized line; many cities replace them at no cost to residents. If you have concerns, ask the utility about testing and filters.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a federal program for water bills like LIHEAP?
Not currently. LIHWAP, created during the pandemic, was temporary and its funds have largely been spent. Some states and utilities continue their own water assistance programs.
Can my water be shut off?
Yes, in most places, after notice. Some states and cities limit water shutoffs for medical reasons, during certain seasons, or for households with children or older adults. Ask the utility and your state utility commission (if it regulates water) about protections.
My bill suddenly doubled. What should I do?
Check for leaks (toilet dye test, meter test), compare with past bills, and ask the utility to check the meter reading. Request a leak adjustment if you find and repair a leak, and dispute the bill in writing if you suspect an error.
Sources and verification
Use these sources to check program rules. Funding, openings, and local procedures must be confirmed with the agency handling your application.
- Fix a Leak WeekU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Help with energy bills (and utility assistance)USAGov
- Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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