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Finding water bill assistance in Texas can feel overwhelming, especially when facing financial hardship. A high or past-due water bill adds significant stress, but numerous programs and resources exist across the state to provide relief.
From direct payment plans with your utility provider to statewide initiatives, local city-run funds, and charitable aid, there are clear pathways to help manage your water and wastewater expenses. Exploring these options can help you avoid disconnection, catch up on payments, and find stable footing.
When a water bill becomes unmanageable, taking immediate and strategic action is the most effective way to prevent a crisis like service disconnection. Before navigating the various application processes for assistance, two initial steps can provide the quickest path to a solution and connect you with the widest array of options.
Contact Your Water Utility Provider Immediately
The most crucial first step is to proactively communicate with your water utility provider as soon as you know you cannot pay your bill in full. Many residents hesitate to make this call, but utility companies have established processes to manage customer delinquency. Contacting the provider before receiving a disconnection notice often results in more flexible and favorable options.
Many Texas utility companies are willing to work with customers to establish payment plans that spread out a past-due balance over several months.
dwupaymentplan@dallas.gov, for customers to arrange a payment plan of up to six months.By initiating contact, you can prevent an immediate service interruption and learn about internal assistance programs that may not be widely advertised.
Dial 2-1-1 Texas: Your Central Connection to Local Aid
After contacting your utility provider, your next call should be to 2-1-1 Texas. This free, confidential, and 24/7 helpline is operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and serves as a critical navigator for social services. In a state as large as Texas, 2-1-1 is the most efficient tool for identifying organizations that serve your specific zip code.
A specialist can connect you with a variety of resources, including:
You can access this service by dialing 2-1-1 from any phone or by visiting the 2-1-1 Texas website. The online portal allows you to search for "utility assistance" to find the most relevant resources for your situation.
While many assistance programs are administered locally, several are funded through statewide initiatives that channel federal money to Texas communities. Understanding how these programs work is key to unlocking potential aid.
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): Current Status
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) was a federally funded, temporary emergency program designed to help low-income households with their water and wastewater bills. In Texas, this program was administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) through a centralized online portal.
It is critical for residents to know that the Texas Utility Help portal is closed for new applications because the demand for assistance exceeded the available federal funds. However, this does not signify the end of all state-administered utility assistance.
Finding Local Help Through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
With the centralized portal closed, the TDHCA now directs utility assistance funds to a network of local provider organizations that cover all 254 counties. TDHCA does not provide financial assistance directly to individuals; you must apply through your designated local agency.
The correct method for finding your local provider is through the TDHCA's "Help for Texans" webpage. This tool is the official state-sanctioned replacement for the previous system.
To find the organization that administers utility assistance in your area:
Texas's largest cities often administer their own unique water bill assistance programs, funded through municipal budgets, customer donations, or partnerships with non-profits. These programs are tailored to local needs and represent direct sources of aid.
Dallas and Dallas County
Houston and Harris County
San Antonio and Bexar County
Austin and Travis County
Fort Worth
Beyond government and utility-run programs, a vital network of charitable organizations provides emergency assistance across Texas. These groups are often the most direct source of immediate aid.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers emergency assistance for basic needs, including utility and water bills, through local "Corps Community Centers." To apply, you must contact your local unit. The most effective way to do this is by visiting SAHelp.org and entering your zip code to find the correct office and its specific application process.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities operates through regional dioceses, each with its own programs for providing emergency financial assistance. The application process varies significantly by region, so it is important to contact the correct diocesan office that serves your county.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP)
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides assistance through a hyper-local model of parish-based volunteer groups called "conferences." Each conference serves a specific geographic boundary. The typical process involves:
Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies are local non-profits that are often the front-line distributors of state and federal utility assistance funds, such as the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). When you use the TDHCA's "Help for Texans" tool, the organizations it directs you to are often these agencies. Contacting them directly is a direct path to accessing government-funded programs.
In addition to seeking financial aid, Texas residents have certain legal rights and protections related to their utility services. Knowing these rights can provide a crucial layer of security.
Protection from Landlord Utility Shutoffs
It is illegal in Texas for a landlord to shut off your utilities, including water, as a means of collecting rent or forcing you to move out. Your rental agreement is separate from your right to essential services.
Payment Deferment During Emergencies
During certain declared emergencies, most private water utility providers must offer customers a deferred payment plan upon request. This rule is typically triggered under two conditions:
Filing a Complaint
If you have a dispute with your water utility provider that you cannot resolve directly, you have the right to file a formal complaint. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) is the state agency that regulates water utilities and provides consumer assistance. You can file a complaint by calling 888-782-8477 or emailing customer@puc.texas.gov.
No. As of late 2025, the Texas Utility Help portal, which distributed federal LIHWAP funds, is closed. Requests for assistance exceeded the available funding. You must now apply for help through local community agencies or city-specific programs.
The best first step is to call 2-1-1 and select the option for "utility assistance." This free, 24/7 service is run by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and will connect you with local non-profits and agencies in your county that have active funds.
First, contact your water utility provider immediately to request a payment extension. Second, call 2-1-1 to find agencies offering emergency, same-day assistance. Many non-profits, like The Salvation Army or Catholic Charities, require a disconnection notice to process an emergency application.
Many major Texas cities do. For example, San Antonio has the SAWS Uplift program, Houston residents can apply for the W.A.T.E.R. Fund, and Tarrant County residents may qualify for help through Community Action Partners (CAP). Check your utility provider's website for "customer assistance" or "affordability programs."
While requirements vary by agency, you will almost always need:
A valid photo ID (Driver's License or State ID)
Proof of household income (pay stubs, Social Security letter)
A copy of your past-due water bill
Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for household members
Yes. Eligibility for most water bill assistance in Texas is based on your total household income, not your employment status. Programs typically use the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (e.g., at or below 150% of the poverty level) to determine qualification.
Yes. Many programs prioritize seniors, the disabled, and households with young children. Additionally, some utilities like Dallas Water Utilities offer seniors (65+) an exemption from late fees and allow extra time to pay their bills, even if they don't qualify for financial aid.
You must apply to a local agency. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) distributes federal funds to local organizations (like community action agencies) but does not accept applications for utility assistance directly from individuals.
Yes. Many local agencies, like BakerRipley in Houston or the Community Council of South Central Texas, receive funds for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This single program can often provide assistance for multiple utilities, including electricity, gas, and water.
"Water Assist" is a specific customer assistance program offered by the private utility Texas Water Utilities (SWWC). It is not a statewide program. If your water provider is SWWC, you can apply for this program directly through them or their partner agencies for help.
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