cial difficulties can be overwhelming, but the City of St. Louis is here to help
The City of St. Louis Launches Water Utility Assistance Program for Residents with Delinquent Accounts
The City of St. Louis, in partnership with Collector of Revenue Gregory F.X. Daly and United Way, is taking action to help residents with delinquent water accounts. Starting August 20, 2025, eligible residents can apply for financial assistance through an online portal.
Back in 2020, the City implemented a moratorium on water shutoffs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing residents unable to pay their water bills to defer payment. However, this moratorium will be lifted on September 1, 2025, and there are currently over 13,400 past due residential accounts totaling $12.6 million in overdue funds.
“Our municipal water, with the residents of St. Louis as the ‘owners’, cannot continue to function and provide the City with high-quality water for the long term under an indefinite moratorium,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “We have drained financial reserves while operating at financial deficits and need to help customers get back on track for the long-term viability of our City’s water.”
The Water Utility Assistance Program is designed to provide a one-time credit of up to $500 directly applied to eligible residents’ accounts. In addition, residents will be required to enroll in a repayment plan with the Collector of Revenue’s Office to pay off the remaining balance. Depending on the amount of their balance, residents can choose between a 6-month or 12-month repayment plan.
“The assistance program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ensuring access to essential services for all residents, particularly through challenging times,” said Collector Gregory F.X. Daly. “The program exemplifies our dedication to working with residents, providing them with the support and resources they need to regain stability. As always, we remain committed to finding innovative ways to serve our residents.”
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Water Utility Assistance Program, residents must meet the following requirements:
- Be a City of St. Louis resident and a residential account holder
- Have a delinquent water service balance
- Provide proof of COVID-19 pandemic-related hardship in lost income
- Enroll in a repayment plan with the Collector of Revenue
- Meet income threshold qualifications (earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income)
See the chart below for household income limits at 60% of the Area Median Income:
| Family Size | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $43,380 |
| 2 | $49,560 |
| 3 | $55,740 |
| 4 | $61,920 |
| 5 | $66,900 |
| 6 | $71,880 |
| 7 | $76,800 |
| 8 | $81,780 |
For more information on the application process and required eligibility documentation, please visit the STLWater website.
Required Documentation
To apply for the Water Utility Assistance Program, residents must provide the following documentation:
- Proof of identity
- Copy of recent water bill
- Proof of income for all adults in the household
- Proof of a social security number
Personal information will not be shared with anyone.
Repayment Plans and Other Assistance
Financial difficulties can be overwhelming, but the City of St. Louis is here to help. In addition to the Water Utility Assistance Program, residents can also explore other repayment options and assistance programs by contacting the Collector of Revenue’s Office.
