If you're having trouble paying your water bill, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works can help. We have special programs to assist people who qualify. These programs can help with bill adjustments, financial help or PromisePay payment plans. You may also qualify for credits and/or fee exemptions for financial hardship. 

The State of Maryland also offers financial relief for water and wastewater bills for eligible residents through their Low Income Household Water Assistance Program. 

For information on programs available that help customers and make their water bill more affordable, visit any of the programs or other resources below. 

Visit Baltimore's New Affordability Portal to learn how we can help you. 

Visit Affordability Portal

Assistance programs

• Affordability Programs Screening Tool: Find out which DPW and State affordability programs you qualify for. 
• Water Assistance Program: Water4All is an income-based program that reduces your water bill by applying a discount. The discount is based on your income and household size.
• PromisePay Payment Plans: Get help on your water bill now. Baltimore City residential water customers who are behind on their water bill are eligible for a PromisePay payment plan to get out of debt and back on track.
• Medical Exemption Program: If you have a medical condition or are a caregiver for someone with a medical condition, our exemption program protects people and medical equipment that may be harmed if the water is turned off. 
• Maryland Low Income Housing Assistance Program

Additional resources

• Is your water bill higher than usual? Please check common explanations and reasons for differences in your water bill. Please contact our customer service team with any additional questions you might have.
• Water and Sewer Adjustment Request: If you had a water leak and it has been fixed, you may be eligible for an adjusted water bill. 
• Reducing Your Stormwater Fee: By volunteering in the community or doing things around your home or property that reduce stormwater runoff—like rain gardens or rain barrels—you may qualify for a reduced stormwater fee. 
• HomeServe USA Private Water & Sewer Line Repair Plans