The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission announced this week it is launching a pilot program that offers up to 90 percent discounts on water and sewer bills for eligible customers.

The Community First Bill Relief Program, which began Monday, provides some customers with the discount for a six-month period.

Additionally, some of those randomly participants also will receive debt forgiveness for up to $1,000 of back payments owed to the commission, if they are able to make six discounted payments toward their monthly bill, commission officials said.

The program was launched to help customers who continue to struggle financially as the pandemic endures.