Program available to help pay water bills
The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) provides a program to assist eligible Mississippians with their water bills and there is pandemic relief money to do that.
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helps income-eligible residents maintain access to drinking water and wastewater services. This important resource provides financial assistance to eligible households in managing costs associated with:
- Water bills
- Wastewater/sewer bills
- Stormwater fees
- Groundwater fees
- Reconnection fees
- Late fees
- Lien removal fees (water-related)
LIHWAP is available for individuals and families who need assistance paying a current bill, have past-due water bills, had their service terminated, or received a notice indicating that their service will be terminated in the next 60 days. Households can receive the LIHWAP grants for both drinking water and for wastewater services. The funding is issued directly to the utility providers in support of families who meet income requirements.
Who is eligible for LIHWAP?
Mississippi residents who qualify for the LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, will also be eligible for LIHWAP Low Income Household Water Assistance Program. Applicants’ household income must be at or below 60 percent of the state median income to qualify for these programs.
The Mississippi Department of Human Services has $13 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds available for the program.
