Program Helps Virginia Residents Pay Water and Wastewater Bills

By: City of Newport News

Virginia residents in need of need help paying water and/or wastewater bills are encouraged to explore the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). This federally funded program was created to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills.

LIHWAP relief is available to eligible Virginia residents until funds are depleted. The temporary program is administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services in partnership with Promise, a technology solutions company. Promise works with utility companies and government agencies around the country to provide payment flexibility and offer relief to those in need. Newport News Waterworks was approved to participate in this program.  

Households eligible for LIHWAP assistance must have a past due water/wastewater balance and a gross household income below 150% of the federal poverty level based on household size (see the Income Guidelines Table for details). Priority is given to households whose water/wastewater has been disconnected or is at risk of disconnection. 

The application takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and is available on the Virginia LIHWAP website. Residents can also download, complete, and mail the application. Application assistance is available by contacting Promise directly between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 1-888-373-9908.