The City of Evansville has announced an enhancement of the Bill Assistance Program for water and sewer utility customers.
There are now two programs for water bill payment assistance. The brand new option is the Leak Repair Program to help ratepayers save money over time.
This is accomplished by paying up to $1,000 in efficiency upgrades and repairs.
“The first option — this is brand new, offers qualifying city residents — residential customers, the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in plumbing repairs and updates,” Mayor Stephanie Terry said at a news conference Wednesday. “This means that things like water efficient toilets or improved plumbing fixtures that will make your water use more efficient and less expensive long term.”
The second program is the Bill Relief Credit which now offers $30 per month instead of $10 off the water bill.
Vic Kelson is Evansville Water and Sewer Utility Executive Director. He said he frequently hears about the need for bill assistance
“I hear from a lot of people in Evansville that they're having a hard time making ends meet and they need help with their water bill.”
These programs are for qualifying residents who meet HUD low income guidelines. Thousands of low income city residents quality. Three thousand have applied since 2022.
These programs are in response to increasing water rates due to large capital projects such as pipeline replacements and the new water plant.
This program will last until 2025, and is paid for by American Rescue Plan Act funds. The application is on the EWSU website.