Bill > HR4733

This bill establishes the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) to help low-income households pay for water and wastewater services. The program will be administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator. The bill defines "low-income household" as those receiving certain government assistance (like Social Security, food stamps, or veterans' benefits) or households with income at or below 150% of the poverty level, 60% of state median income, or 60% of area median income. The program will award grants to states and Indian tribes to help owners of public water systems and treatment works assist low-income households in paying water service arrearages and current charges. Grant allocations will be based on the percentage of low-income households in a state or tribal jurisdiction. The bill also provides grants to nonprofit organizations to help rural, underserved, and tribal areas access the program. Recipients cannot use these funds to replace existing low-income water assistance programs but can use them to supplement such programs. The bill authorizes $500 million in appropriations annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support the program, and requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance to help streamline eligibility determinations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4733/all-info