# Plain Language Summary: Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021

This bill creates two new federal programs to help low-income families afford their water and sewer bills. Right now, many struggling households face the choice between paying for water or paying for other necessities like food and medicine. This bill aims to change that by giving money to water systems and states to set up assistance programs specifically for people who can't afford these essential services.

The bill establishes a drinking water assistance program and a separate wastewater assistance program. Water systems and states can apply for grants to create local programs that help low-income households. These programs can take many forms—direct bill payment assistance, reduced rates for low-income customers, payment plans based on what people actually earn, help fixing leaky pipes, or installing water-saving fixtures. The bill defines "low-income" broadly to include people receiving welfare, food stamps, disability payments, or veterans' benefits, as well as households earning up to 150% of the poverty line (though states can set their own thresholds). The key requirement is that programs must treat renters and homeowners fairly and equally.

To get these grants, water systems must show they have solid financial plans and can actually reach and enroll eligible households. The bill gives priority to water systems that have raised rates dramatically (30% or more in three years) or that are dealing with expensive environmental compliance requirements. Once programs are running, water systems must report back on how many people they're helping, how much assistance they're providing, and whether people are actually staying connected to water service instead of having their water shut off.

The assistance people receive won't count as taxable income, so getting help with water bills won't hurt anyone's taxes or affect other benefits they receive. The federal government will also provide technical help to make sure programs work well and reach the people who need them most.

Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021

Blunt Rochester, Lisa

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.