Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021

Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021

This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish grant programs to assist low-income households in maintaining access to drinking water and wastewater services.

Specifically, the EPA must establish a program to assist such households with paying drinking water bills. States and community water systems may apply for grants.

In addition, the EPA must establish a program to assist such households with paying wastewater utility bills. States may apply for grants for small community-serving wastewater facilities. Certain municipalities may apply for grants for (1) treatment works for municipal waste, or (2) municipal separate storm sewer systems.

Bill 117 HR 3293, also known as the Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021, aims to provide assistance to low-income households struggling to afford their water bills. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 19, 2021, by Representative Brenda Lawrence from Michigan.

The main purpose of this legislation is to establish a grant program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist states, local governments, and water utilities in developing and implementing customer assistance programs for low-income households. These programs would help eligible households pay their water bills, avoid shutoffs, and maintain access to clean and safe drinking water.

The bill also requires the EPA to conduct a study on the affordability of water and wastewater services for low-income households, as well as to provide technical assistance to help utilities improve their billing practices and customer outreach efforts. Overall, the Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021 seeks to address the growing issue of water affordability for low-income families and ensure that all Americans have access to this essential resource. The bill has bipartisan support and is currently being considered by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.