Senator Kirsten Gillibrand continues to push for assistance for low-income families to help cover costs associated with water bills. Funding to help those in need ran out last year, prompting the need for updated legislation.

In 2021, Congress provided $1.1 billion to provide low-income households with critical relief to their water bills. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, LIHWAP, has helped over one million households maintain a supply of clean water sources. However funding for the program ran out at the end of fiscal year 2023, prompting senators to call for a solution.

The average household spends more than one thousand dollars a year on bills related to water and sewer service. Thanks to rising costs across the board, some families are struggling to stay afloat. A coalition of senators have united to address the needs for LIHWAP funding head on.