DC Water Announces Emergency Funding to Help Residents Pay Outstanding Water Bills During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis

Residents Can Apply to Get Bill Relief and Monthly Discounts

DC Water today announced that funds have been authorized by Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. Council to provide emergency relief to District residents struggling with unpaid DC Water bills during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency and 105 days thereafter. DC Water residential customers can apply to the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) for assistance from the fund established for the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) to help pay all or part of an outstanding water-bill balance and for ongoing monthly CRIAC discounts. DOEE will review and approve the assistance requests and DC Water will apply those credits to the customer’s bill.  

“This legislation continues Mayor Bowser’s commitment to support DC residents during this time of great financial stress and uncertainty,” said DOEE Director Tommy Wells. “Ensuring all households have access to drinking water, regardless of their ability to pay, is fundamental for the health and safety of our residents in all eight Wards.” 
 
“This funding should lessen the burden for those in the most financial need, added DC Water CEO and General Manager David L. Gadis. “Those who have lost their jobs, those who have been furloughed and those who are already in financial need are encouraged to apply for this program.”  

District residents can now apply for assistance by submitting copies or pictures of the following to DOEE: 

• Recent DC Water bill
• Recent proof of income (pay stub, Social Security statement, etc.) or proof of termination or unemployment
• Government-issued, photo identification (license, passport, etc.)
• Complete and signed CRIAC Residential Relief Application available at doee.dc.gov/service/criac  

More information and the application for this program is available through DOEE at doee.dc.gov/service/criac or by contacting criac.residential@dc.gov.  
 
For resources and additional information on the District of Columbia Government’s coronavirus (COVID-19) response and recovery efforts, visit coronavirus.dc.gov. 
 
For updates on DC Water’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), visit dcwater.com/covid-19-updates-and-resources.