DC Water has a long history of lending a helping hand to customers in financial need who are having trouble paying their water bills. We have launched DC Water Cares, to assist customers who have fallen behind.
If you are struggling to pay your bills, we want to help. Give us a call to discuss your options. The available programs include:
| PROGRAM | DESCRIPTION | ELIGIBILITY | HOW TO APPLY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Assistance Program (Monthly Discounts for Residential Customers) |
- Eligible households receive discounts on water and sewer services and/or discounts on some fees. (CAP 1, CAP 2, CAP 3) -Discounts range from $168 to $1,020 annually. |
- Income eligible customers verified by DOEE. | Call DOEE at 202-350-9649, or visit doee.dc.gov/udp. |
| CRIAC Relief for Nonprofit Organizations | - Credits of up to 90% of the CRIAC portion of a nonprofit’s water bill. | - Income eligible non-profit organizations, verified by DOEE. | Visit doee.dc.gov or call 311. |
| Flexible Payment Plans | - Repay past due balances over time. More flexible options now available. No late fees accrue while meeting payment plan obligations. | - Customers with a balance may be eligible. | Call DC Water at 202-354-3600 or visit, mydcwater.com |
| SPLASH (One-time Emergency Assistance) | - Up to $350. - DC Water employees, customers and others donate to this one-time assistance fund for those facing disconnection. |
- Income eligible customers, verified by Greater Washington Urban League. |
Call the Greater Washington Urban League Mon-Fri 9am-5pm at 202-265-8200. |
Monthly Discounts
In addition to the emergency relief mentioned above, eligible households will receive one of the following discounts:
- Customer Assistance Program (CAP) provides a discount on the first 400 cubic feet (3,000 gallons) of water and sewer services used each month. Eligible households will receive a 75 percent reduction in the monthly CRIAC fee and a Water Service Replacement Fee waiver. The monthly discount is approximately $85 a month.
- Customer Assistance Program II (CAP2) provides a discount on the first 300 cubic feet (2,250 gallons) of water and sewer services used each month (with the exception of PILOT and ROW fees) and a 50 percent reduction in the monthly CRIAC fee. The monthly discount is approximately $56 a month.
- Customer Assistance Program III (CAP3) provides a discount of 75 percent off of the monthly CRIAC. The monthly discount is approximately $14 a month.
Water Affordability Income Guidelines
The table below provides the dollar figures for each program’s income limits by household size:
| FY 25 Water Bill Relief Income Limits (October 1, 2024- September 30, 2025) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household Size | CAP + | CAP 1 | CAP 2 | CAP 3 |
| 1 | $19,191 | $57,571 | $86,650 | $108,300 |
| 2 | $25,095 | $75,286 | $99,000 | $123,800 |
| 3 | $31,000 | $93,001 | $111,400 | $139,200 |
| 4 | $36,905 | $110,715 | $123,750 | $154,700 |
| 5 | $42,810 | $128,429 | $133,650 | $167,100 |
| 6 | $48,715 | $146,144 | $143,550 | $179,500 |
| 7 | $49,822 | $149,465 | $153,450 | $191,800 |
| 8 | $50,929 | $152,787 | $163,350 | $204,200 |
| 9 | $52,036 | $156,108 | $173,250 | $216,600 |
| 10 | $53,143 | $159,430 | $183,150 | $229,000 |
| 11 | $54,250 | $162,751 | $193,050 | $241,300 |
| 12 | $55,358 | $166,073 | $166,073 | $253,700 |
How do I apply for CRIAC Assistance?
There are three ways to apply:
- Online Application
- Email your application and documentation to criac.residential@dc.gov
- Mail your application to DOEE, Attn: CRIAC Residential Relief Program, 1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor, Washington DC 20002
What documents do I need to apply?
To apply, pictures or scans of the following documents are required:
- Recent proof of income (pay stub, Social Security statement, proof of termination or unemployment, etc.)
- Government-issued, photo identification (license, passport, etc.)
- Recent DC Water bill
- If the DC Water bill is not in a household member’s name, you must include proof of property ownership or a lease agreement indicating proof of responsibility for water charges
- Complete and signed CRIAC Residential Relief Application
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Call (202) 350-9649 or email criac.residential@dc.gov
The above video shows how easy it is to apply for assistance.
Nonprofit Relief
The CRIAC Nonprofit Relief Program is in place to assist eligible nonprofit organizations facing financial hardship with the payment of their Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC). Participants can receive credits of up to 90% of the CRIAC portion of their water bill.
DOEE determines eligibility, and non-profit organizations must meet all three criteria:
- Be a nonprofit in the District of Columbia with a real property or possessory interest tax exemption as a local charitable organization, a cemetery, a religious house-of worship; or a continuing care facility (as determined by the District’s Office of Tax and Revenue).
- Demonstrate financial hardship in paying the CRIAC. Organizations must demonstrate that their annual CRIAC is 1% or greater than their annual revenue, after expenses. Applicants must submit their IRS form 990 or provide information consistent with the filing requirements of an IRS form 990, as applicable.
- Complete a stormwater mitigation project to help diminish the harmful effects of stormwater runoff by installing green infrastructure on their property or elsewhere in the District.
For more information, and to apply, please visit CRIAC Nonprofit Relief Application or call 311. The CRIAC Nonprofit Relief Program is funded by the District Government.
Other Bill Assistance Programs and Resources
- Flexible Payment Plans - During the COVID-19 pandemic, please email Customer Service at credit.collection@dcwater.com for more details about extended payment plan options.
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SPLASH (Serving People by Lending A Supporting Hand) - SPLASH is a DC Water program that helps customers maintain critical water and sewer service in times of financial emergencies. SPLASH is administered by the Greater Washington Urban League. For information on getting assistance call the GWUL offices during business hours Mon-Fri 9 AM – 5 PM at 202.265.8200.
SPLASH is funded solely by contributions from our employees, customers, and the community, and every dollar we receive is distributed to eligible customers.
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How do I contact the Office of People’s Counsel?
OPC: opc-dc.gov
