If you are a homeowner in the District of Columbia and have fallen behind on your mortgage and utility payments, you may qualify for monetary assistance through the DC Homeowner's Assistance Fund. Get more information and apply for assistance.
ALERT: As of June 2022, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) funding has depleted. This means the District can no longer issue direct bill payments on DC Water accounts. DOEE is still accepting applications for the CRIAC Residential Relief Program (CRIAC), a water discount program. CRIAC provides a percentage off an eligible household's total monthly water fees, information regarding eligibility requirements is available below.
DC Water may still offer up to $2,000 in emergency bill assistance upon approval for CRIAC Residential Relief. This is subject to DC Water's discretion, any questions regarding this possible direct bill assistance, and setting up payment plan arrangements should be directed to their customer service line at (202) 354-3750.
Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) Residential Relief Program
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Customer Assistance Program Plus (CAP+) provides a discount on the first 600 cubic feet (4,488 gallons) of water and sewer services used each month. Eligible households will receive a 75% reduction in the monthly CRIAC fee and a Water Service Replacement Fee waiver. The monthly discount is approximately $134 a month.
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Customer Assistance Program I (CAP1) 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% reduction in the monthly CRIAC fee and a Water Service Replacement Fee waiver. The monthly discount is approximately $95 a month.
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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 (except for PILOT and ROW fees) and a 50% reduction in the monthly CRIAC fee. The monthly discount is approximately $62 a month.
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Customer Assistance Program III (CAP3) provides a discount of 75% off the monthly CRIAC. The monthly discount is approximately $16 a month.
Water Affordability Income Guidelines (FY25):
The tables below provide the dollar figures for each program’s income limits by household size:
Household Size CAP+ CAP1 CAPII CAPIII
1 $21,650 $57,571 $86,650 $108,300
2 $24,750 $75,286 $99,000 $123,800
3 $27, 850 $93,001 $111,400 $139,200
4 $30,950 $110,715 $123,750 $154,700
5 $34,050 $128,429 $133,650 $167, 100
6 $37, 150 $146,144 $143,550 $179, 500
7 $40, 200 $149,465 $153,450 $191, 800
8 $43, 300 $152,787 $163,350 $204, 200
9 $46,400 $156,108 $173,250 $216, 600
10 $49, 500 $159,430 $183,150 $229, 000
11 $52, 600 $162,751 $193,050 $241, 300
12 $55,700 $166,073 $202,950 $253, 700
How do I apply for Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) Assistance Programs?
There are three ways to apply:
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Email your application and documentation to [email protected]
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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:
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Recent proof of income for everyone in your household (pay stub, Social Security statement, proof of termination or unemployment, etc.)
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Government-issued, photo identification (license, passport, etc.)
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Social Security cards for everyone in your home
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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
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Complete and signed CRIAC Residential Relief Application
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Call (202) 350-9649 or email [email protected]
What should I do if I disagree with the relief amount of my application decision?
You may appeal the decision by contacting the Director of DOEE.
Over the past 10 years, the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC) rates have increased to help pay for a $2.7 billion project to significantly reduce the discharge of raw sewage and stormwater runoff into the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and Rock Creek. The District recognizes these increases have imposed a burden on nonprofit organizations and many District households. The CRIAC Relief Programs provide financial relief to eligible nonprofits, renters, and homeowners, significantly reducing their CRIAC costs. You can find more information on the nonprofit and residential relief programs by following the below links:
