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Facing difficulty with a high water bill can be stressful, but Texans have access to numerous water bill assistance programs designed to provide relief. Help is available across the state for low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families experiencing a temporary financial crisis.
Support is delivered through a network of state-funded local agencies, city-specific utility initiatives, and charitable organizations. The most effective first step is to identify the local resources available in your city or county, as assistance is almost always managed at the community level.
While several assistance programs are funded at the state or federal level, the funds are distributed through local organizations. This means your entry point for help will be a community agency in your area, not a state office in Austin.
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
The primary ongoing utility assistance program in Texas is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Although its name suggests a focus on electricity and gas, CEAP funds are often available to help with water and wastewater bills. The program is funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and is designed to help low-income households manage their utility costs.
CEAP is administered across all 254 Texas counties by a network of local non-profits and community action agencies known as subrecipients. To find the designated agency for your county, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) provides a searchable database on its "Help for Texans" webpage.
Eligibility for CEAP is typically based on household income, which must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Priority is often given to households with:
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Status
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) was a federally funded program created to specifically address water and wastewater bills. However, the centralized state portal, Texas Utility Help, is no longer accepting applications because requests for assistance have exceeded the available funds.
While the main state portal is closed, some local agencies that administer CEAP may have remaining LIHWAP funds or have integrated water bill assistance into their other services. Therefore, the most effective action is still to contact your local community action agency to inquire about all available utility assistance options.
Major metropolitan areas across Texas offer a variety of programs managed by city governments, utility providers, and local non-profits.
Dallas County and Tarrant County (Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex)
Dallas Assistance Programs
The City of Dallas Office of Community Care provides emergency utility assistance, including for water bills, through its Social Services & Support Program. This aid is dependent on funding availability and requires contacting an intake caseworker at 214-670-8416.
Applicants will need to provide documents such as a government-issued ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and the utility bill. Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) also offers several direct programs:
Fort Worth and Tarrant County Assistance Programs
The City of Fort Worth Water Utility offers several avenues for support. Customers experiencing unforeseen life events can arrange payment plans by calling the Water Contact Center at 817-392-4477. The utility also provides conservation-focused programs that offer long-term savings:
For comprehensive financial assistance in Tarrant County, the primary organization is Community Action Partners (CAP). CAP provides help with water, electricity, and gas bills using funds from CEAP and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).
The application process for CAP is thorough and can be completed online on select Fridays or in person at various community centers. Required documents include photo ID, proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of Tarrant County residency, recent income verification for all adults, and a copy of the utility bill.
Harris County (Houston Area)
Houston Water and County Services
The city's utility provides direct support to its customers. The W.A.T.E.R. Fund is a donation-supported program that assists low-income, elderly (age 60 and over), and disabled residential customers living in single-family homes. To apply, customers should call Houston Water at 713-371-1400. The city also offers interest-free payment agreements to help customers avoid late fees and service interruptions.
The Harris County Community Services Department specifically helps residents living in unincorporated areas of Harris County with their water bills.
Key Non-Profit Providers in Harris County
Several large non-profits serve as the main points of contact for utility assistance in the region.
Bexar County (San Antonio Area)
SAWS Uplift Program
The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) offers one of the most comprehensive utility assistance structures in the state through its Uplift program. It is a multi-faceted program that combines financial aid, discounts, and preventative repairs.
To qualify, applicants must be a SAWS residential account holder, meet income requirements, and have a home value that does not exceed $300,000. Key components of the Uplift program include:
Bexar County Utility Assistance
The county also runs a program for residents, with eligibility based on income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Applications are available online on Tuesdays, and residents can call 210-335-3666 for assistance.
Travis County (Austin Area)
City of Austin Utilities
The city’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) provides a robust safety net for residents.
Travis County Family Support Services
This county agency provides emergency financial assistance for utilities, rent, and prescriptions to Travis County residents. Applicants will need to provide a photo ID, Social Security card, and proof of their financial need.
El Paso County
El Paso Water (EPWater)
The local utility manages its own assistance programs directly.
When government programs are at capacity or have strict eligibility rules, non-profit organizations provide a crucial layer of support.
2-1-1 Texas / United Way: Your Primary Information Hub
For any Texan seeking help, the most important first step is to contact 2-1-1 Texas. It is a free, confidential information and referral service operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
The funding for various local assistance programs can change frequently; some agencies may run out of funds while others receive new grants. 2-1-1 maintains the most current database of which organizations have aid available at any given time. You can access this service by:
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army operates in communities across Texas and provides emergency assistance to meet basic needs. This often includes financial help with utility bills to prevent a service disconnection for a family in crisis. Assistance is provided at the local level and depends on available donations and funding.
Catholic Charities
Branches of Catholic Charities throughout Texas run financial stability programs that can help with essential expenses, including utility bills, rent, and mortgage payments. For example, Catholic Charities of Central Texas accepts online requests for financial assistance and works to help families achieve long-term stability.
Before a financial issue becomes a crisis, proactively engaging with your water provider can open up additional options for relief.
Requesting Payment Arrangements and Extensions
If you anticipate having trouble paying your bill, contact your utility provider immediately. Most are willing to establish a payment plan that allows you to pay a past-due balance over several months, as long as you remain current on new bills. For instance, utilities in cities like Cedar Hill and Robinson offer deferred payment plans, which typically require an initial down payment to enroll.
Leak Repair and Conservation Programs
An unexpectedly high water bill is often caused by a hidden leak in a toilet, faucet, or underground pipe. Many utilities offer programs to help address this. Programs like Fort Worth's SmartRepair, Dallas's Minor Plumbing Repair Program, and San Antonio's Plumbers to People provide free or low-cost leak repairs for eligible low-income homeowners. Inquiring about these programs can provide a long-term solution, not just a temporary fix.
Protections for Medically Vulnerable Customers
If someone in your household relies on water-dependent medical equipment, you may be eligible for "critical care" or "life support" status with your utility company. This designation provides additional protections against service disconnection. The process typically involves submitting a form completed by a physician to your water provider.
Understanding your rights as a customer and a resident is a final, critical step in ensuring your water service remains connected.
Disconnection Policies and Protections
Utility companies are required to provide you with adequate notice before disconnecting your service for non-payment. Furthermore, protections are often in place to prevent shutoffs during extreme weather, such as days with temperatures below freezing or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
During a state-declared natural disaster, most private utility providers must allow customers to defer their bills and request a payment plan. If you have a complaint about your provider, you can contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas at 888-782-8477.
Your Rights as a Tenant in Texas
For renters, the law provides specific protections against landlords using utility shutoffs as a tool for eviction. Texas Property Code § 92.008 makes it illegal for a landlord to interrupt or cause the interruption of water, electricity, or gas service, except for bona fide repairs, construction, or an emergency. A landlord cannot shut off your water because you are behind on rent.
If your landlord unlawfully disconnects your water service, you can take the following steps:
Yes, renters in Texas can qualify for water bill assistance through many local and non-profit programs. Eligibility often depends on your household income and lease agreement. Programs like those offered by Community Action Agencies and Austin's Plus 1 Fund provide support regardless of whether you own or rent your home.
Immediately contact your water utility provider to ask about an emergency payment plan or extension. You can also dial 2-1-1 to find local charities in your area that offer rapid emergency water bill assistance in Texas. Acting quickly is the most important step to prevent a service shut-off.
Many Texas cities and non-profits prioritize seniors for utility aid. For example, Austin's Customer Assistance Program (CAP) offers discounts to seniors. Additionally, agencies like Catholic Charities often have dedicated funds or expedited processes for elderly individuals seeking help with their water bills to ensure their service is not interrupted.
Income eligibility is usually based on the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Most Texas water assistance programs require a household's gross income to be at or below 150% of these guidelines. You will typically need to provide proof of income for all household members during the application process.
You will usually need a valid photo ID, a copy of your water bill, proof of household income (like pay stubs or a benefits letter), and proof of residency (like a lease agreement). Some programs may also require social security cards for all household members when you apply.
Yes, assistance is available in rural areas, often through regional Community Action Agencies that serve multiple counties. Programs like the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) provide utility support across the state. Dialing 2-1-1 is an effective way to find the specific organization that serves your rural location.
Most water bill assistance Texas programs also cover wastewater, sewer, and stormwater fees, as these charges are typically included on the same utility bill. When you receive help from a program like SAWS Uplift, the funds can be applied to the entire past-due balance on your municipal utility statement.
If your income is too high for traditional aid, contact your utility provider directly. Most offer payment arrangements that allow you to pay off a past-due balance over several months. These plans are often available to any customer facing a temporary financial hardship, regardless of their income level.
Yes, many local churches and faith-based organizations, such as St. Vincent de Paul societies, offer emergency financial assistance to community members, which can include paying a portion of a water bill. This support is often provided on a case-by-case basis after an interview to assess the household's specific needs.
Some Texas utilities offer assistance for unusually high bills caused by leaks. Fort Worth's SmartRepair Program and El Paso Water's AguaRepairs program provide financial aid to low-income homeowners for leak repairs. These programs help fix the underlying issue to reduce future water costs and provide immediate bill relief.
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