Arlington Water Utilities' Minor Plumbing Repair Assistance Program May Aid Low-Income Homeowners

By Traci Peterson, Arlington Water Utilities

Posted on January 25, 2023, January 25, 2023

Editor's Note: This article was originally published April 12, 2022.

According to the US EPA, fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10% on their water bills. But fixing a running toilet or a dripping faucet isn’t something all homeowners feel comfortable doing and calling a plumber could lead to economic strain, if household budgets are tight.

Arlington Water Utilities recently established a Minor Plumbing Repair Assistance Program to help meet the needs of its low-income residents and conserve water. The program aids economically disadvantaged residents with minor repairs that can save future water costs and avoid water service interruptions because of unpaid bills.

The program will focus 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) will be covered. Qualified plumbing professionals will make all repairs. For more about income guidelines and how to apply for assistance, visit ArlingtonTX.gov/CareandShare.

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 department also rewards customers who pay their bills on time for 12-months by crediting their account deposit back to their account. For example, during the first two months of 2022, Arlington water credited $99,800 back to customers, with 825 account holders earning deposit credits.

The Arlington City Council approved adding the Minor Plumbing Repair Assistance Program to the City of Arlington Water Conservation Plan in October 2021. The plan is updated every five years as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Click here to review the plan.

Funding for the Minor Plumbing Repair Assistance Program is provided by non-rate water department revenue. A plumbing assistance program for low-income homeowners is recognized as a Best Management Practice, or BMP, for Municipal Water Services providers by the Texas Water Development Board. These BMPs are recommended as ways to contribute to local and state water conservation goals.