The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for households across the state of Mississippi. From high unemployment rates to business closures, Mississippi households have faced a myriad of challenges that may affect their financial stability. 

For low-income households, the challenges created by the pandemic have been especially difficult to overcome and have led to some families struggling to meet their basic needs such as paying for water services.  However, households across the state won’t have to worry anymore about providing water to their families because of a new program from the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). 

With $13 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), MDHS’ Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is designed to help income-eligible residents meet their needs by providing them financial assistance for drinking water and wastewater services through the end of September 2023. In addition to these services, eligible families can receive support for stormwater fees, groundwater fees, reconnection fees, late fees, and water-related lien removal fees. For more information, or to apply for LIHWAP, visit the MDHS website.