Water/Sewer Assistance Program

Program Overview

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides funds to assist low-income households with water and wastewater (sewer) bills to restore and prevent disconnection of households water/wastewater services. The program’s intent is to assist low-income households meet to their immediate home water needs. In Washington State, LIHWAP assists households whose incomes are at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. LIHWAP is funded by a federal block grant program to help low-income Washington State households maintain affordable, dependable utility services and avoid shutoff.

The Water/Sewer Assistance Program provides one-time assistance per program year in paying water and/or sewer bills for eligible households.
LIHWAP assists households by applying an assistance grant directly to the water provider on behalf of the eligible household.
The program provides grants up to a maximum amount of $2500 (depending on income, household size, type of housing, and heat bill) towards arrearage/past-due balance.

Program Eligibility

Household and income eligibility for Low Income Household Water Assistance Program are the same as for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Basic LIHWAP eligibility is outline as follows:

Your household has not received a LIHWAP benefit during the current program year, October 1st to September 30th.
Your household residence is within Snohomish County jurisdiction.
Household member must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien.
Your household pays for residential water and/or sewer costs either directly to an energy vendor or indirectly through rent.
The household’s average monthly income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Below is a chart of the current income levels by household for the current program year.
Applicants who are eligible for LIHEAP during the current program year are also eligible for LIHWAP for the same program year.

Income Guidelines:

HOUSEHOLD COUNT	LIHEAP 150% FPG	PSE HELP 80% AMI	CNG WEAF 80% AMI
1	$1,699	$5,562	$5,562
2	$2,289	$6,354	$6,354
3	$2,879	$7,150	$7,150
4	$3,469	$7,941	$7,941
5	$4,059	$8,579	$8,579

Applying for LIHWAP

The LIHWAP Program opened October 3, 2022.

UPDATE: As of March 1, 2023, we are accepting all applications.

For Non-crisis applicants who have already applied, it may take 14 to 16 weeks for processing your application.

The Energy Assistance Office is open Monday thru Friday, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM except for legal holidays. We are closed during breaks and lunch.

If your heat, PUD, water, or sewer has been shut off or will be disconnected, you may contact us by phone to speak with a program representative, or you may leave a voicemail message during the business hours of 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays. Please call our main line at 425-388-3380 for a phone interview.

Online 24/7:

Apply with the Energy Assistance Application by clicking the link below or scan the QR code and complete the Water Assistance section on the application.

Scan QR code:

Water Shut Off and Disconnection Notice

If your water has been shut off or if you received a disconnection notice, please call 425-388-3880 so we can determine your eligibility as soon as possible. Our phone lines are open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, except County holidays.

If you received an overdue bill and/or disconnect notice, please call your water and/or sewer provider to determine if you qualify for other assistance while you are waiting to apply for our programs.