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State Water Board Extends Water and Wastewater Arrearage Program
On November 1, The State Water Resources Control Board opened the application period for water and wastewater systems to apply for its Extended Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program. The application period runs through Dec. 31, 2023, and fund disbursement should begin in February 2024. This is a continuation of last year’s program that paid wastewater agencies directly to cover debt from residential and commercial customers who experienced financial hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To be sure, this is not a customer facing program, rather, agencies must apply on behalf of their customers.

The new Extended Arrearage Program will include both water and wastewater debt from residential and commercial customers, as the state legislature allocated the remaining $600 million in federal funding for this Extended Arrearages Program. If you are interested in participating and need relief, please apply as soon as possible to secure funding. You will find more information on the SWRCB’s arrearages program page, and if you have any questions, please reach out to SWRCB staff at DFA-WaterArrearages@waterboards.ca.gov.