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Evansville utility expands bill-relief and launches leak-repair program using ARPA funds
Summary
Evansville Water and Sewer Utility launched a leak-repair program (up to $1,000 per eligible household) and expanded a bill-relief discount to $30/month for residents earning under $50,000; officials reported 96 sign-ups in the first month.
Vic Kelson, executive director of the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility, briefed the Common Council on two programs that began July 15 using ARPA funds: a leak-repair program to address household plumbing issues and an expanded bill-relief discount for eligible residential customers.
Kelson said the leak-repair program can cover up to $1,000 per home for repairs such as replacing high-water-use toilets, fixing service-line leaks or leaky valves. The program is administered in partnership with Memorial (a HUD-funded home-repair program) and uses outside contractors; Memorial handles interactions with plumbers. Kelson reported 96 households had signed up for the leak-repair program in its first month.
The utility also extended a bill-relief discount: residential customers with household income under $50,000 annually are eligible for a $30 monthly discount on water and sewer bills. Kelson said existing participants in the prior $10 monthly program should be automatically upgraded but can confirm with EWSU; customers eligible for both programs may switch into the leak-repair program through Aug. 31.
Council members asked about verification procedures and outreach to township offices; Kelson said the verification follows prior bill-relief processes and that he would check with staff about township outreach. He stressed the programs use one-time ARPA money and will end when funds are expended.
Representative quote: Vic Kelson, executive director of the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility, said, "This is a one-time thing that could help people save money on their water bills for a long time," and described the leak-repair program’s $1,000-per-home limit.
What’s next: Residents who believe they meet eligibility criteria are directed to ewsu.com/billrelief and ewsu.com/leakrepair; staff will confirm outreach plans to township offices and continue enrollment until ARPA funds are exhausted.
