The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will increase the amount of financial assistance offered to certain low-income City water customers, matching the upcoming adjustment in water and sewer rates.

Starting July 1, 2018, water/sewer charges will increase by 9.4 percent. This rate adjustment was part of a three-year rate package approved by the Board of Estimates in 2016, which includes adjustments to the infrastructure and account management fees on the monthly water bills. The increase in the amount of financial assistance available to eligible customers also starts July 1.

“Even as we spend billions to rebuild and improve our water and sewer infrastructure, DPW is committed to providing affordable water services for our customers,” said DPW Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E. “That’s why we encourage City residents to find out if they are eligible for a financial assistance program and to let us know when they need help paying their bill.”

City residents are eligible to apply for the following assistance programs:

Low-Income Grant Program: Qualifying customers who pledge to make consistent payments on their outstanding bills receive a grant. The annual assistance grants for qualifying low-income customers will increase by 9.4 percent, rising to $236 from $216.

Senior Citizen Discount Program: City residents 65 and older whose annual income does not exceed $31,500 may apply for a discount of 43 percent off their water and sewer rates. That is up from the current $30,600 threshold. Seniors who receive the discount will be automatically enrolled in the hardship program that waives the Bay Restoration and Stormwater fee.

Water Bill Payment Plan: Customers have up to one year to pay a past due
amount on water/sewer bills.

To apply for a payment assistance program, City residents can call DPW’s Customer Support and Services Division at (410) 396-5398. Additional information is available on the DPW website: https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/Water-Billing-Programs-to-Assist-Residents.