Next Steps

Over the course of the last two years, LIHWAP has been a lifeline to communities in need. As COVID-19 and the subsequent economic instability and inflation exacerbated water and wastewater bill debt, LIHWAP provided emergency relief to households with low incomes and became the first ever federal program that enabled states, territories, and tribes to expand access to affordable water and wastewater services.

Establishing the first federal household water assistance program during a global pandemic posed significant challenges. Yet, through dedication, adaptability, and collaboration between the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Community Services, grant recipients, and water utilities, LIHWAP emerged as a successful initiative. Its flexible programming, tailored by each grant recipient, facilitated rate reductions, prevented disconnections, and reconnected households facing service interruptions. LIHWAP shed light on the enduring financial, socioeconomic, and health impacts of water and wastewater in the U.S., advancing strides toward universal access to affordable water. In response to challenges and feedback from grant recipients, OCS offered an optional six-month No Cost Extension (NCE), extending the obligation deadline to March 30, 2024, and the liquidation deadline to June 30, 2024. Eighty-nine grant recipients opted for the NCE. As LIHWAP continues to support households nationwide in maintaining water access, OCS remains committed to providing training and technical assistance. The focus is on encouraging best practices and documenting successes, lessons learned, and challenges to inform potential future water assistance programs.