MCWD Launches CARES Program — Customers May Save Up to $250 a Year on Their Water Bill by Marina Coast Water District Jun 17, 2026 Member Submitted News Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) today announced MCWD CARES, a new customer financial assistance program that helps income-qualified customers save up to $250 a year on their water bill. Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible customers will receive a $20.83 monthly credit applied directly to their fixed water charge. Applications will be accepted beginning June 15, 2026, through Dollar Energy Fund, the program’s sole intake and enrollment partner. MCWD encourages any customer who needs help with their water bill to apply. About MCWD CARES. MCWD CARES helps income-qualified customers to apply for and receive water bill relief. Key program details include: Benefit: $250 per year ($20.83/month), applied automatically to the fixed water charge. Eligibility: MCWD customers with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify. Program Timeline: Application Window 1: June 15 – July 31, 2026 Approved grants disbursed July 2026 through June 2027. Application Window 2: November 1 – December 31, 2026 (if funds remain) Approved grants disbursed January 2027 through June 2027. Program funding: $37,007 from district lease revenue — no customer rate funds are used. Enrollment requirement: Customers must remain current on their bills to stay enrolled. “Water is a basic human need, and we recognize that it can be difficult for some of our neighbors to pay their water bills,” said Remleh Scherzinger, General Manager of Marina Coast Water District. “MCWD CARES reflects our commitment to the whole community. We’re proud to offer this relief, and we encourage all eligible households to apply.” How to Apply. All applications are handled exclusively by Dollar Energy Fund, a trusted nonprofit organization that has administered utility assistance programs nationwide for more than 40 years. MCWD does not process applications directly. Customers can apply: Online: Dollar Energy Fund website By phone: Call 1-888-282-6816 Dollar Energy Fund also handles all eligibility questions and application status checks. Community Outreach and Partner Network. MCWD will conduct targeted public outreach and work with Dollar Energy Fund and a network of community-based organizations (CBOs) to ensure the program reaches households that may not be reachable through other channels, including seniors, non-native English speakers, and customers with limited internet access. Outreach materials will be available in English and Spanish, with additional language support under evaluation. About Dollar Energy Fund. Dollar Energy Fund is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization that has provided utility assistance grants to low-income households since 1983. The organization partners with more than 50 utilities across 18 states and works with approximately 600 community-based organizations to provide application intake services. ### About Marina Coast Water District: MCWD delivers safe and environmentally sustainable water, recycled water, and wastewater services that meet community needs. To learn more about Marina Coast Water District, visit www.mcwd.org.
