Bill Paying Assistance Programs

PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

If you cannot pay your water or wastewater bill by the due date, please contact our customer service center immediately, before the due date. Our customer service representatives are available at 888-237-1333. They will work with you on a plan to pay the balance of your bill over time.

These payment arrangements may require you to:

  • Pay at least 25 percent of your bill within 48 hours of your call
  • Pay the rest of the bill, including any applicable late payment charge, according to an agreed upon schedule, not to exceed 12 months
  • Pay all future bills as they become due
  • Only customers who have not broken similar agreements in the past twelve months are eligible to make these payment arrangements

BUDGET BILLING

Sometimes having a predictable water bill helps with financial planning. Budget Billing is a free service available to eligible residential customers. The program makes managing your cash flow easier by providing predictable monthly payments and avoiding seasonal spikes that may be difficult to pay when not planned for in advance. Visit MyWater or call 1-888-237-1333 to sign up for Budget Billing.

CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

At California American Water, we believe everyone should have access to fresh, clean water. Our Customer Assistance Program helps households facing financial hardship by offering monthly discounts on water or wastewater bills.

What the Customer Assistance Program Provides: Eligible customers may receive a monthly discount on their water or wastewater charges.

Eligibility Requirements for the Customer Assistance Program

  • You meet income guidelines
  • Be an individually metered or flat‑rate residential customer
  • Have the California American Water bill in your name
  • Not be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return
  • Reapply if you move to a new residence`
  • Renew your application every two years, or sooner if requested
  • Notify California American Water within 30 days if you become ineligible

How to Apply

For questions about the Customer Assistance Program or your water service, please call 888‑237‑1333.



Additional Assistance: Hardship Grant 

If you’re a residential customer who has received a shut‑off notice, you may also qualify for our Hardship Grant. This grant provides income‑based assistance to help customers who are in danger of disconnection remain connected to essential water service.

Eligibility requirements for the Hardship Grant

  • You must be a California American Water residential customer.
  • The California American Water Bill must be in your name.
  • You have received a shut‑off notice or at risk of disconnection
  • You meet income guidelines 

How to Apply for the Hardship Grant

  • MONTEREY customers: Call 211 and ask for the United Way – California American Water Hardship Program.
  • ALL OTHER service areas: Check eligibility and apply directly at https://www.dollarenergy.org/MyApp


MULTI-FAMILY ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM (MAPP)

California American Water takes great pride in its ability to provide safe, reliable, and affordable water to its customers. Water service is vital, and affordability is key. To support the affordability of water service for our residential customers, California American Water is launching its Multi-Family Assistance Pilot Program (MAPP) that provides utility financial assistance to eligible residents in the San Diego district

Given the severity of the economic downturn that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic, California American Water sought and received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to implement MAPP.

MAPP is being offered to San Diego district residents who receive electric and gas utility assistance under the California Alternate Rate Energy (CARE) program and who receive water from California American Water through a master meter (for example, meters at apartment complexes, condominiums, or mobile home parks). These residents are not direct California American Water customers, but they do receive water service which is billed to their landlord, complex, or property owner.

The company’s program administrator, Dollar Energy Fund, Inc. (Dollar Energy Fund), will implement MAPP and contact eligible San Diego district residents directly with a letter and a postcard in the mail. Those who receive the letter will be asked to return the enclosed postcard to enroll in MAPP.

Once enrolled, eligible residents will be mailed a check in the amount of $45.48 to defer any portion of, or increase in, their rent due to water consumption. Future payments, which may differ in amount, will then be sent on a quarterly basis.

San Diego ditrict residents that receive a letter and have questions are encouraged to contact Dollar Energy Fund at calammapp@dollarenergy.org.