Charlotte Water introduces Helping Hands Outreach to streamline utility assistance

During the City Council Committee Meeting on March 3, 2025, significant discussions centered around water affordability and the establishment of a nonprofit aimed at assisting residents with their water bills. Council member Mayfield highlighted a chart illustrating that, according to guidelines from the EPA and UNC Chapel Hill, a household's water and wastewater bill should not exceed 4.5% of their income. The data presented indicated that only households earning 20% of the Area Median Income (AMI) would exceed this threshold if they consumed over 5,000 gallons of water monthly. This suggests that the city is currently managing to keep water costs within affordable limits for most residents.

The meeting also introduced the "Helping Hands Outreach H2O Foundation," a proposed nonprofit initiative designed to streamline assistance for residents struggling to pay their water bills. This initiative aims to consolidate resources and support, learning from the fragmented response during the COVID-19 pandemic when various organizations provided aid without a coordinated approach. The goal is to create a single point of contact for residents in need, enhancing accessibility to financial assistance for water-related expenses.

Additionally, discussions touched on the city's water quality and the absence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination, which has affected other regions. The source of Charlotte's water, flowing from Lake James, is noted to be cleaner compared to areas facing industrial pollution. The city is reportedly ahead of federal standards regarding PFAS regulations, ensuring that water quality remains a priority.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to maintaining affordable water services while proactively addressing potential challenges in water quality and accessibility. The establishment of the Helping Hands Outreach H2O Foundation represents a significant step towards supporting vulnerable residents, with further developments expected as the initiative progresses.