OCS DCL-2024-02 LIHWAP Implementation and Impact Report, Part 1

Office of Community Services (OCS)

Dear Colleague Letter

DCL#: OCS-DCL-2024-02

DATE: January 22, 2024

TO: OCS Grant Recipients, Stakeholders and Partners

SUBJECT: OCS Releases the LIHWAP Implementation and Impact Report, Part 1

ATTACHMENT(S): LIHWAP Implementation and Impact Report, Part 1

Dear Colleagues,

The Office of Community Services (OCS) is proud to release the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Implementation and Impact Report, Part 1 (June 2021 - June 2023). As the first-ever federal water assistance program, OCS wanted the report to include the full life cycle of LIHWAP, from its inception through the first two years of implementation. To achieve this, we have included data from all LIHWAP programs through June 30, 2023.

Background

LIHWAP provides funds for assisting low-income households with water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP grants were made available to states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and federally and state-recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations that received fiscal year 2021 Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grants.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law No.: 116-260) signed on December 27, 2020, included $638 million in funding with instructions for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer these grants. Additionally, on March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law No.: 117-2) appropriated an additional $500 million to the new LIHWAP effort.

Report at a Glance

Readers have an opportunity to review the report online in an interactive environment or download a printable PDF version (PDF) of the report. As you navigate the report, you will learn about the water landscape in the U.S., LIHWAP program design, the impact on the households served, how grant recipients and water utilities created and implemented the program, best practices and challenges, and next steps for LIHWAP. 

OCS is proud to share accomplishments and lessons learned from the first two years of administering LIHWAP. We hope this report allows grant recipients and partners to see their contributions towards addressing water affordability, as well as the nationwide impact of the program.

Thank you for your attention to these matters. OCS looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality services to OCS partners.

/s/
Dr. Lanikque Howard
Director
Office of Community Services