Philadelphia Residents May See Relief from Rising Water Bills under New Legislation
A new bill package introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier aims to address rising utility bills and inaccurate water meter readings, providing much-needed relief to Philadelphia residents. The "Just Water" legislation includes two bills and a resolution that target affordability and incorrect meter readings.
The first bill expands eligibility for the city's tiered assistance program to households making up to 200% above the federal poverty level, adding structured payment plans for those who fall into this category, which is expected to be around 300,000 residents. This move aims to help low-income families cope with the increasing water bills.
The second bill requires the city to take responsibility when water meters fail to provide accurate readings for an extended period of 12 months or more. This can result in thousands of dollars in unpaid bills, which will be shouldered by the city. This provision has been introduced after a resident received an $8,000 bill due to inaccurate meter readings.
Gauthier expressed frustration with the current policy failures that have left residents without access to affordable and reliable water. She believes that it is high time for the city to take action and ensure every Philadelphian has access to clean water. The proposed legislation comes after Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) upgrades made in 2019, which resulted in more than 95% of eligible meters being replaced.
The PWD spokesperson acknowledged the need for adequate funding to maintain public health and environmental protection but emphasized that revenue from water bills remains essential. With continuous rate hikes – including a recent 10% increase – residents are struggling to pay their bills. The legislation aims to provide much-needed relief, ensuring every working family can access clean water without financial strain.
The bill package will now be referred to a committee for approval before returning to the City Council floor for a full vote.
A new bill package introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier aims to address rising utility bills and inaccurate water meter readings, providing much-needed relief to Philadelphia residents. The "Just Water" legislation includes two bills and a resolution that target affordability and incorrect meter readings.
The first bill expands eligibility for the city's tiered assistance program to households making up to 200% above the federal poverty level, adding structured payment plans for those who fall into this category, which is expected to be around 300,000 residents. This move aims to help low-income families cope with the increasing water bills.
The second bill requires the city to take responsibility when water meters fail to provide accurate readings for an extended period of 12 months or more. This can result in thousands of dollars in unpaid bills, which will be shouldered by the city. This provision has been introduced after a resident received an $8,000 bill due to inaccurate meter readings.
Gauthier expressed frustration with the current policy failures that have left residents without access to affordable and reliable water. She believes that it is high time for the city to take action and ensure every Philadelphian has access to clean water. The proposed legislation comes after Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) upgrades made in 2019, which resulted in more than 95% of eligible meters being replaced.
The PWD spokesperson acknowledged the need for adequate funding to maintain public health and environmental protection but emphasized that revenue from water bills remains essential. With continuous rate hikes – including a recent 10% increase – residents are struggling to pay their bills. The legislation aims to provide much-needed relief, ensuring every working family can access clean water without financial strain.
The bill package will now be referred to a committee for approval before returning to the City Council floor for a full vote.
Philadelphia residents are finally gonna see some relief from those crazy water bills!!! 
Jamie Gauthier is literally a lifesaver! Expanding eligibility for the tiered assistance program is a total game-changer, especially with 300k+ low-income fams in need. And I'm all about that city taking responsibility for inaccurate meter readings, it's just not fair to people who are already struggling 
. 95% of eligible meters replaced sounds awesome but what's the point if ppl can't afford the bills? 
Can't wait for this bill package to pass and bring some sanity back to water billing 
! A new bill package that's gonna help Philly residents who are struggling with rising water bills 
The idea of expanding eligibility for the tiered assistance program and taking responsibility for inaccurate meter readings is a game-changer for low-income families. Let's make sure everyone has access to clean water without financial strain 
#JusticeForPhillyResidents #CleanWaterForAll #AffordableUtilities
. I've lived in Philly my whole life and seen people getting slammed by these high bills. It's not fair that some folks have to choose between paying their water bill or putting food on the table 
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. It'll really make a difference in people's lives. And, I'm all for the city taking responsibility when it comes to those faulty water meters 
. Either way, I'm cheering for our city councilmember Jamie Gauthier who's fighting for a fairer deal 
. Let's hope we get some real relief soon 
. It's crazy that some people got an $8k bill due to faulty meters, that's insane! 
Adding more payments plans and taking responsibility for accurate meter readings will definitely help reduce the financial burden on residents. Hopefully this legislation passes soon so everyone can have access to clean water without breaking the bank 
It's not like that's gonna magically solve all our problems or anything, but it's a start.
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! it's crazy that ppl are gettin paid $8k for inaccurate meter readings 
anyhoo, i think this legislation is super necessary 
especially w/ the tiered assistance program - low-income families shouldn't be feelin' the strain 
. and yeah, it's all about takin' responsibility & makin' sure ppl got access 2 clean water 
. this is a step in the right direction 