PHILADELPHIA – Today, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) introduced Just Water, a package of bills to protect Philadelphians from unaffordable water bills and ensure tenants and low-income households have access to programs that keep water flowing.
A majority of City Council already supports Just Water. Councilmembers Kendra Brooks, Mike Driscoll, Nicolas O’Rourke, and Anthony Phillips co-introduced this legislation with Councilmember Gauthier. Councilmembers Jim Harrity, Rue Landau, Quetcy Lozada, Mark Squilla, and Isaiah Thomas co-sponsored.
Just Water is comprised of two bills and one resolution that will:
- Expand eligibility for the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households earning up to 300% of the FPL would qualify for structured payment plans.
- Require the City to share responsibility for long-term (12+ months) water meter failures that result in runaway water bills.
- Investigate solutions for tenants who are at risk of losing access to water or are ineligible for water assistance programs because, unlike other utility bills, PWD doesn’t allow renters to put water bills in their name.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) said, “Skyrocketing costs force too many Philadelphians into an impossible dilemma: keep the lights on, put food on the table, or pay the water bill. Water is a basic human right, not a luxury, and we are lucky to live in a city where our water system belongs to taxpayers, not corporate interests. As rates climb, Just Water will ensure families do not lose access to clean and affordable water.”…