How does the Water4All program work?

Water4All calculates the maximum amount a resident should pay for their annual water consumption and sewer use. This is based on a percentage of their annual income and household size. The difference between the calculated amount and estimated annual water bill determines your credit.

Who is eligible for Water4All assistance?

Baltimore City residents may qualify for Water4All assistance if:

• Their income is less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines or they already participate in any State program where eligibility is established by income of less than 200% of the federal poverty limit..   Updated 
  • For example, for a 4-member household that would be less than $62400.00 a year

AND

• They are either:
  • Homeowners whose name is on the water bill
  • Tenants whose name is on the water bill and who pay the city directly for water and sewer service
  • Tenants whose name is NOT on the water bill, who do NOT pay the city directly for water and sewer service and who can provide both:
    • A lease that clearly states the tenant is responsible for paying water and sewer services separately from the rent, and
    • A lease that clearly states the amount to be paid monthly by the tenant for those services or a copy of the monthly invoice for water and sewer services from the landlord or the landlord's management company

An applicant’s final determination of eligibility will be made when the application is reviewed and verified.

How can I apply for Water4All?

City residents can begin applying for Water4All by clicking this link: cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/water4all/.

Is it true the Water4All application is changing?

The Water4All application is being enhanced to ensure a simple and efficient process. There is no interruption in the application process. Homeowners’ credits will be applied on the same timeline and, for now, tenants will receive a one-time credit or payment, which may experience a delay.

Will there be any pause for Water4All credits applied to homeowners’ accounts?

No, there will be no pause to homeowner credits being applied.

Will the Water4All tenant customer continue to receive monthly credits?

Credits will be received as one-time payment.

Will the Water4All assistance be in the form of a bill discount or credit?

Water4All assistance will be a credit to participants who are billing account holders with the Department of Public Works. Tenants who are eligible to participate but who are not account holders will receive their subsidy by check within 90 days of an approved application.

If I cannot access the online application is there a paper version I can use?

Yes, you can download and print a paper version of the Water4All application. If you are a Home Owner or Tenant with a billing account in your name, you can download here. If you are a tenant without a billing account, you can download a paper version here. You can drop off your completed form at 3939 Reisterstown Rd, Baltimore, MD 21215.

Can people without a SSN apply?

Yes!

Will I still have options for how I receive my credit?

At this time, credit will be sent as one-time payments.

If my name is not on my water bill, how do I get my name on it so I can get the credit?

Tenants who live in single-unit rentals may ask their landlord to put their name on the water billing account, which will allow them to pay the bill directly. The landlord can request to add the tenant’s name to the water account by:

• Emailing a request to dpw.billing@baltimorecity.gov and include:
  1. The water account number
  2. The water account holder's contact information (full name, address & phone number)
  3. The tenant's name

OR

• Completing an online form at publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/water-billing-questions

What if I applied a month earlier (11 months) versus the calendar year? What happens to my application?

All applications will be processed no matter when it was received.

How long will the Water4All credit last?

Water4All eligibility lasts for one year and credits are applied during that year. A new application will have to be submitted for the next year, preferably before your expiration date.

Once I apply, how long before I see the Water4All credit on my water bill?

After you apply, it may take up to three months to see the credit on your bill.

Would it be acceptable to pay some of the credit to DPW and the other toward rent?

Water4All credits are intended to assist customers with their water bill. If you are a tenant, depending on the terms of your lease the funds may be sent, directly to your landlord, on your behalf.

Who do I contact if I have questions about Water4All?

If you have additional questions or need more clarity call (410) 396-5555.

Why should I submit W-9 (Applies to Tenants only)

Tenants, who are not listed on the water bill, will receive a one-time payment. Only tenants receiving a direct payment are required to complete a W-9 prior to receiving their direct check or ACH deposit.

NOTE: The W-9 form is a form that requests the taxpayer’s identification number (TIN), certification, taxpayer name, and address. This form will be maintained as verification of who received the funds and will not be sent to the IRS.