As part of California Water Service’s ongoing commitment to support those struggling to pay their water bills, the utility is encouraging its customers who meet maximum income limits to apply for financial assistance from the California Department of Community Services & Development’s Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, or LIHWAP.

LIHWAP is a federally funded program offering a one-time benefit of up to $15,000 per household for past-due or current bills.

Cal Water residential customers can check their eligibility to receive assistance from LIHWAP based on income, place of residence and other factors.

Applications must be submitted through local, community-based organizations listed by county.

Recipients of CalFresh, CalWORKS and LIHEAP are automatically income-qualified for LIHWAP assistance.

“Our top priority is to provide safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water service to our customers, yet we recognize that customers sometimes have difficulty making ends meet and paying their bills,” said Cal Water CEO and President Martin A. Kropelnicki. “That is why we provide — or work with other agencies to provide — these customers access to financial assistance like LIHWAP, one of many assistance programs available to Cal Water customers.”

“California recognizes that water and wastewater services are essential for public health and well-being, and the department is committed to assisting low-income Californians in need of financial support to keep their water flowing," said CSD Director David Scribner.

In addition to encouraging its customers to access LIHWAP assistance, Cal Water offers:

• Customer Assistance Program, or CAP: Customers who meet maximum income limits or are enrolled in a qualified public assistance program may qualify for a monthly discount on their water bill.
• PromisePay payment arrangements: Residential customers with a past-due balance may be eligible to privately enroll in flexible, customizable, interest-free PromisePay payment plans.
• Alternative payment arrangements: If customers do not qualify for PromisePay and have a past-due balance that’s difficult to manage, then they may still be able to split payments among several months to pay off the full balance.
• Payment extensions: If customers need more time to pay their bill, then they may be able to defer payment to a later date.

For more information on LIHWAP, please visit www.calwater.com/lihwap. For more information on Cal Water’s other customer assistance programs, visit www.calwater.com/assistance. LIHWAP also helps pay down wastewater bills; customers should inquire with their wastewater provider to see if it participates in the program.