Water Sector News
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Water service funding for Low-Income Households in jeopardy
https://www.weny.com/story/50352251/water-service-funding-for-lowincome-households-in-jeopardy
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand continues to push for assistance for low-income families to help cover costs associated with water bills. Funding to help those in need ran out last year, prompting the need for updated legislation.
In 2021, Congress provided $1.1 billion to provide low-income households with critical relief to their water bills. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, LIHWAP, has helped over one million households maintain a supply of clean water sources. However funding for the program ran out at the end of fiscal year 2023, prompting senators to call for a solution.
The average household spends more than one thousand dollars a year on bills related to water and sewer service. Thanks to rising costs across the board, some families are struggling to stay afloat. A coalition of senators have united to address the needs for LIHWAP funding head on.