Water Authority Board Votes to Support Federal Water Rate Assistance Program for Low-Income Households

Water Authority Board Votes to Support Federal Water Rate Assistance Program for Low-Income Households

October 23, 2025

National program would help low-income households with bill assistance

The Water Authority Board of Directors today voted to support a federal program that would provide financial assistance for water and wastewater bills to low-income households. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Establishment Act, reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen of Illinois, would provide $500 million in annual funding through 2030.

"Water isn't a luxury - it's a basic necessity, and no family should have to choose between keeping the lights on, food on the table, or keeping the tap running," said Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano. "Whether it's a state or federal program, I've been clear that we will fully support any opportunity to provide real rate relief to working families across San Diego County. This legislation is a common-sense, needed investment now more than ever."

LIHWAP was authorized and appropriated during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and allocated a total of $1.1 billion to provide water and wastewater bill assistance to U.S. states and territories, with $115 million going to California.