State Webinars Will Explain New Program to Fund Household Water Debt by ACWA staff Feb 9, 2022 Water News SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Community Services (CSD) is hosting two informational webinars for water purveyors to provide an overview of the California Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and details about how agencies can receive funding to help their low-income customers pay down water bill debt accrued during any time frame. CSD has been tasked with distributing $116 million in one-time funding for this program. Payments will go directly to water systems from CSD’s third-party funds disbursement partner. Application intake and verification of customer eligibility will be completed by CSD’s network of local service providers. Agencies planning to apply for funding must first enroll with CSD’s third-party funds disbursement partner in order to receive payments. ACWA encourages member agencies to attend one of the virtual webinars to learn more about this critical funding source. What: “California Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) – Water Systems Informational Webinar” Description: Specifically, the webinars will cover items such as: General overview of the LIHWAP and the importance of enrollment How to navigate the enrollment system Timeline and deadlines Q&A session When: Feb. 15, noon-1 p.m.; Feb. 16, 10-11 a.m. Register: Register in advance online. More information about the LIHWAP is available on the Community Services Department’s website.