Arlington Water Utilities' Minor Plumbing Repair Assistance Program May Aid Low-Income Homeowners
The Arlington Water Utilities Minor Plumbing Repair Assistance Program provided $25,000 worth of assistance to Arlington homeowners during Fiscal Year 2023, and applications are being accepted now for assistance in the current fiscal year.
The program aids economically disadvantaged homeowners with minor repairs that can save future water costs and avoid water service interruptions because of unpaid bills. To get started, residents must visit the Arlington Urban Ministries website at www.arlingtonurbanministries.org to complete income eligibility information.
Once a resident is admitted to the program, qualified plumbing professionals hired by the City will make covered repairs up to $1,500. The program focuses exclusively on the repair of faucets, showers, toilets, and water leaks that do not occur inside walls or underground. In addition, the costs of clearing blockages to a private sanitary sewer lateral (but not structural repairs or replacements of sewer lines) can also be covered.
The 18 homes involved in the program in FY23 saved an average of 9,551 gallons of water a year after repairs were made. According to the US EPA, fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10% on their water bills.
The Minor Plumbing Repair Program adds to the City of Arlington’s efforts to relieve economic disparities faced by residents. Arlington Water Utilities already provides water and sewer bill payment assistance for low-income residents through the donation-funded Care and Share Fund. The Arlington City Council approved adding the Minor Plumbing Repair Assistance Program to the City of Arlington Water Conservation Plan in October 2021.
Funding for the Minor Plumbing Repair Assistance Program is provided by non-rate water department revenue.
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