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BlogOn June 4, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) launched the new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.HHS launches new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
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Blog
HHS launches new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
On June 4, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) launched the new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program that will help low-income households and families afford water and wastewater services during the Coronavirus pandemic. Along with funding provided under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, LIWHAP will offer $1.14 billion to help residents pay their water bills, avoid shutoffs and support household water system reconnections related to non-payment.
LIHWAP provides grants to states, territories and tribes to work with private owners and operators of public water systems and treatment. Although Congress established LIHWAP as an emergency program to help states respond to the coronavirus pandemic, ACF is directing states to model LIHWAP after the existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), meaning county governments functioning as local LIHEAP agencies might also be responsible for administering this new program. In 13 states, county governments either fully administer the LIHEAP program or share that responsibility with local community-based agencies.
To date, ACF has released $166.6 million – 15 percent of total funds allocated for LIHWAP – to support the establishment of the program. Click here for additional details on the new program.
NACo will continue to monitor implementation of LIHWAP and the role counties play in administering these vital water and wastewater services.
Additional Resources
- LIHWAP Landing Page
- HHS LIHWAP General Information PowerPoint
- HHS LIHWAP Administrative Costs and Use of Funds PowerPoint
- NACo Blog: Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issues initial guidance for low-income water assistance program
On June 4, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) launched the new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.2021-06-07Blog2021-06-07
On June 4, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) launched the new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program that will help low-income households and families afford water and wastewater services during the Coronavirus pandemic. Along with funding provided under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, LIWHAP will offer $1.14 billion to help residents pay their water bills, avoid shutoffs and support household water system reconnections related to non-payment.
LIHWAP provides grants to states, territories and tribes to work with private owners and operators of public water systems and treatment. Although Congress established LIHWAP as an emergency program to help states respond to the coronavirus pandemic, ACF is directing states to model LIHWAP after the existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), meaning county governments functioning as local LIHEAP agencies might also be responsible for administering this new program. In 13 states, county governments either fully administer the LIHEAP program or share that responsibility with local community-based agencies.
To date, ACF has released $166.6 million – 15 percent of total funds allocated for LIHWAP – to support the establishment of the program. Click here for additional details on the new program.
NACo will continue to monitor implementation of LIHWAP and the role counties play in administering these vital water and wastewater services.
Additional Resources
- LIHWAP Landing Page
- HHS LIHWAP General Information PowerPoint
- HHS LIHWAP Administrative Costs and Use of Funds PowerPoint
- NACo Blog: Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issues initial guidance for low-income water assistance program

About Rachel Mackey (Full Bio)
Legislative Director – Human Services & Education | Veterans & Military Services
Rachel serves as legislative director for human services and education.More from Rachel Mackey
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Blog
NACo’s listening session findings for the White House Hunger Conference
On June 30, the National Association of Counties (NACo) hosted a virtual listening session to inform the White House national strategy to end hunger, increase healthy eating and physical activity and reduce diet related diseases in the United States by 2030. -
Blog
Federal action continues on infant formula shortage
Though the months-long infant formula shortage has improved somewhat in recent weeks, the low stock continues to impact county residents across the nation. With many families still struggling to find and purchase infant formula, Congress and the White House have taken additional steps in recent weeks to address the crisis. -
Blog
The Limited PSLF Waiver: A Game Changer for County Employees
Many county employees carry a heavy burden of student debt. But now a life-changing opportunity is open to those employed in public service. The Biden administration has created new ways to help student loan borrowers relieve this burden, especially through the limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) waiver. -
County News
Counties plan funding as opioid settlement payout nears
With counties poised to receive much-needed funding from the national opioid settlement, planning on investment of those funds is reaching full speed. -
County News
Adams County highlights its innovative human services
Adams County, Colo. Commissioner Chaz Tedesco is proud to show off the county’s spacious human services center, which includes emergency housing for children in foster care and a café that trains culinary workers. -
County News
When the public health emergency declaration ends, can flexibility for public assistance be retained?
“I think we have proven you don’t need all that red tape,” that the public health emergency declaration paused.
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Webinar
Improving Housing Access with Recovery Funds
August 24, 2022 , 3:00 pm – 4:00 pmJoin us to learn how counties are utilizing Recovery Funds to combat the housing shortage, lower the number of Americans experiencing homelessness and ensure that every segment of the population has a safe, affordable and stable home.08243:00 pm<p>Join us to learn how counties are utilizing Recovery Funds to combat the housing shortage, lower the number of Americans experiencing homelessness and ensure that every segment of the population has a safe, affordable and stable hom
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Webinar
The Opioid Response Network: A Free and Localized Resource to Enhance County-Led Efforts
August 31, 2022 , 3:00 pm – 4:00 pmCounties across the nation are on the front lines of the opioid and stimulant crisis providing essential public services. To enhance these efforts, refine approaches, fill gaps and help counties achieve their goals, NACo has partnered with the Opioid Response Network (ORN).08313:00 pm<p>Counties across the nation are on the front lines of the opioid and stimulant crisis providing essential public services.
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Transforming County Human Services Network
Counties Matter in Human Services There are over 257,000 county human services employees across the country delivering vital services to our nation’s most vulnerable populations.pagepagepage<h3><strong>Counties Matter in Human Services</strong></h3>
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Human Services & Education Steering Committee
All matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. Policy Platform & Resolutions 2022-2023 2022 NACo Legislative Prioritiespagepagepage<p>All matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary,
Contact
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Legislative Director – Human Services & Education | Veterans & Military Services(202) 661-8843
Related Posts
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BlogNACo’s listening session findings for the White House Hunger ConferenceAug. 4, 2022
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BlogFederal action continues on infant formula shortageAug. 4, 2022
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BlogThe Limited PSLF Waiver: A Game Changer for County EmployeesAug. 1, 2022
Related Resources
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Reports & ToolkitsARPA Impact Report: An Analysis of How Counties are Addressing National Issues With Local InvestmentsJul. 18, 2022
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Press ReleaseCounties Welcome White House Focus on Hunger, NutritionMay. 5, 2022
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VideoWebinar Series: Jail Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders ResourcesApr. 26, 2022
Related Events
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24Aug2022
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31Aug2022Webinar
The Opioid Response Network: A Free and Localized Resource to Enhance County-Led Efforts
Aug. 31, 2022 , 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm