New program helps families pay water bills

Monday, December 20, 2021 - 3:11pm

Low-income families in Wake Forest can now apply for help paying their water bills. The new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary emergency program that helps eligible households and families afford water and wastewater services. The initiative provides a one-time payment for eligible households paid directly to the utility company. 

To qualify, applying households must have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen and:

  • Income equal to or less than 150% of the federal poverty level;

  • Household services that are disconnected, in jeopardy of disconnection or have a current outstanding bill;

  • Responsibility for the water bill.

If your water has been turned off, or if you have received a notice that your water is going to be turned off, you can apply online at epass.nc.gov.

You can also apply by printing a paper application from epass.nc.gov and dropping it off at or faxing it to your local county Department of Social Services (DSS) or by calling your local county DSS to apply by phone.

LIHWAP runs through September 2023 or until the funds run out.

For more information, visit https://raleighnc.gov/SupportPages/need-some-help-paying-your-water-bill or contact Raleigh Water’s Customer Care & Billing at  [email protected] or 919-996-3245.