Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act

This bill would create a program to help low-income households pay for drinking water and sewer (wastewater) service. The Department of Health and Human Services, working with the Environmental Protection Agency, would give grants to states and Tribal governments. Those funds would go to public water and wastewater utilities to cover overdue bills and other charges for households in need.

Money would be shared by a formula that looks at either: the share of households at or below 150% of the poverty level, or the share of households spending over 30% of their monthly income on housing. Up to 3% of funds would be set aside for Tribal governments. Separate grants would go to qualified nonprofits to help rural, underserved, and Tribal-area utilities access the program. Funds can add to existing aid but cannot replace it. The department would also help set up data-sharing to make it easier to prove eligibility. The bill authorizes $500 million each year from 2026 through 2030.

Key points

• Who is affected: Low-income households; public water and sewer utilities; states and Tribal governments; nonprofits serving rural and underserved areas.
• What changes: New grants to help pay overdue water and sewer bills; a funding formula; a Tribal set‑aside; nonprofit support; no replacing existing aid; easier eligibility through data sharing.
• When: Funding is authorized for fiscal years 2026–2030, at $500 million per year.