On March 2 the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced the launch of the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, which provides emergency relief to address arrears that residential water and sewer customers have accrued during the pandemic. The state received $24 million in federal funds for this program last year.
“This marks a major milestone—the first-ever statewide program to help low-income New Jerseyans afford their water and sewer bills. It comes at a critical time. A shutoff moratorium put in place during COVID-19 ends on March 15, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk because they’ve fallen behind on water bills during the pandemic,” said Larry Levine, Jersey Water Works Affordability subcommittee lead and Director, Urban Water Infrastructure & Senior Attorney for the Healthy People and Thriving Communities Program at Natural Resources Defense Council. “The launch is a good start, but more funding will be needed to meet the immediate needs,” Levine said. “And ongoing funding is needed to sustain a permanent program, akin to the State’s energy assistance programs, to help ensure everyone has affordable access to essential water services.”
Jersey Water Works members are asked to spread the word to customers and households who may be eligible. People can apply online through the DCAid application portal. DCA is also asking water and sewer utilities to sign an agreement to tap into the program.
Read the announcement: https://www.nj.gov/dca/news/news/2022/approved/20220302.shtml