The Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWA) Program, which was originally funded with temporary federal assistance, was designed to provide low-income households with assistance for their drinking water and wastewater services costs. As additional funds become available, the LIHWA Program will reopen. Households who are at or below 60% state median income (SMI) were income eligible for the program. Required income documentation was similar to that of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Eligible water and wastewater utilities included those that provide service to permanent residential communities. Eligible household accounts were those considered direct service (as compared to payment through landlords). LIHWA assistance payments were paid directly to these utilities on behalf of eligible households to reconnect services, avert disconnection of services, and pay past-due amounts and current charges.
Effective March 29th, 2024, the federal funds that supported the Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWA) Program had been exhausted. As a recommendation, your local Community Action Agencies may have resources available to assist with heating and cooling costs to help relieve some burden. It is also recommended to communicate regularly with your water and wastewater providers and seek other community assistance for water from smaller independent programs or local outreach organizations (St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, churches, or community groups, etc.) If you are unfamiliar with your local Community Action Agency, please use the link below to locate your county, then find the agencies' contact information to request assistance.
Oregon Housing and Community Services : Utility Bill Payment Assistance : Energy & Weatherization (WX) : State of Oregon