Payment Assistance

Water Help Program

The Sewerage and Water Board has approved a Water Help / Plumbing Assistance Program to assist elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged customers in paying their water bills and making minor plumbing repairs. This program combines customer contributions with Sewerage and Water Board matching funds to create a fund administered by Total Community Action. The Water Help Program contributes up to $200 annually to customers in need by way of a credit to their account, while the Plumbing Assistance Program pays up to $250 annually to the licensed master plumber who is authorized by the Sewerage and Water Board to perform minor plumbing repairs at a customer's home. The Water Help Program covers water and sewer fees, but does not cover City of New Orleans sanitation fees.

To Contribute

Add exactly $1.00 to your monthly payment. If any amount other than $1.00 is added to the payment, it will not be accepted as a contribution, but will become a credit on the bill.

If you wish to contribute more than $1.00 or if you are not a customer, mail a separate payment, indicating that it is to be directed to the Water Help Program, to

Customer Service, Room 122
625 Saint Joseph Street
New Orleans, LA 70165

To Apply For Assistance

Customers wanting assistance should apply in person to the Plan Administrator for a determination of eligibility.

Total Community Action
1424 South Jefferson Davis Parkway
New Orleans, LA 70125
(504) 324-8609

Eligibility Requirements

Customer must be a resident of Orleans Parish.
Customer must be at least 62 years old, or disabled or handicapped, as determined by the Social Security, Veterans Administrations or other accepted institutions.
The combined income of all members of the household must be within the current poverty level guidelines of the area.
The water meter must serve only one unit.

The customer must bring the following information to the Plan Administrator

Customer must provide proof of age (driver's license, birth certificate, or another authentic document).
Customer must provide proof of physical disability if under the age of 62.
Customer must provide proof of income (award letter or four consecutive payroll check stubs).
Must be a customer of record and have an active account.
Account must not be in dispute status.

Payment Plans

Customers who have received a notice of delinquency and are not eligible for the Water Help program may be granted a payment plan.

A payment plan allows you to pay your overdue balance off gradually. To arrange a payment plan, you will be asked to pay 10 percent of your overdue balance up front. The rest of your overdue balance can be scheduled for repayment over six to nine months along with your new bill amounts.

When Customer is Unable to Pay the Plan Arrangement

Once a payment plan has been granted, the required monthly payment plus the current monthly water and sewerage charges must be paid by the due date. If the payment is not received by the due date, the meter may be removed without further notice.

To Restore Water Service

The total amount due to the Sewerage and Water Board plus a meter removal/reset fee and a deposit may be required in order to restore service after a payment plan contract has been broken.