Water assistance program has provided more than $5M in grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) has provided more than $5 million in water and wastewater bill assistance grants to Pennsylvania American Water customers.

The Pennsylvania General Assembly financed the temporary emergency program last year with $43 million in federal funding. The program began accepting applications on Jan. 4.

Pennsylvania American Water customers have received more than 8,000 grants for past-due water and wastewater bills. Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides water and wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people.

The company sent targeted direct mail and emails to potentially eligible customers. It also regularly shares information on programs on its social media profiles.

“I applaud the work of the PA General Assembly and the Department of Human Services for expeditiously and effectively funding and administering this program for the benefit of water and wastewater customers across the Commonwealth,” Pennsylvania American Water President Mike Doran said. “This program’s widespread success clearly demonstrates the need to change this from a temporary to a permanent program at the federal level.”

LIHWAP will end on Sept. 30, 2023, or when funds are exhausted.

As of June 18, the program has approximately $11.2 million remaining, according to the Department of Human Services.