From the Soquel Creek Water District
Access to safe and reliable drinking water is something most of us don’t think about until the bill arrives. We turn on the tap to cook dinner, water the garden, or fill a glass, trusting that clean water will always be there. Behind the scenes, however, providing that water requires significant infrastructure, ongoing maintenance, and careful management of our local groundwater supplies.
As the cost of operating and maintaining water systems continues to rise across California, we also recognize that affordability can be a real challenge for some households in our community.
That’s why we are launching a new Customer Assistance Program (CAP) to help income-qualified households manage the cost of their water service.
Beginning this year, eligible residential customers can receive a $50 monthly credit on their water bill. The program was created to provide meaningful support to customers experiencing financial hardship while ensuring the District can continue maintaining the infrastructure and services that keep water safe and reliable for everyone.
Importantly, this program is not funded through water rates. The assistance comes from non-rate revenues, meaning it does not increase the cost of water for other customers. The goal is to provide targeted help to those who need it while maintaining the financial stability required to operate the water system for the entire community.
Water utilities across California are increasingly recognizing the importance of water affordability programs. Just as energy utilities offer assistance programs for electricity and gas bills, water agencies are beginning to implement similar programs to help customers who may be struggling.
The Customer Assistance Program operates on a fiscal year schedule from July 1 through June 30, and customers must apply each year to participate. Applications will be accepted during the open enrollment period from May 1 through May 31 for the upcoming fiscal year.
Because funding for the program is limited, applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis until the annual program budget is fully allocated. Each year, the District’s Board of Directors will determine the amount of funding available for the program as part of the annual budget process.
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements:
Be enrolled in either the PG&E CARE program (which provides reduced energy bills for income-qualified households) or CalFresh, California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.- The water service address must be the applicant’s primary residence. Second homes, vacation properties, and non-owner-occupied investment properties are not eligible.
- Have a residential water account in the name of the adult living at the service address.
- Have an account that is current or enrolled in a payment plan.
- Be enrolled in the District’s WaterSmart online customer portal and autopay program.
- For multi-family properties, live in a dwelling unit that is individually metered and billed directly to the resident applying for the program.
Once approved, the $50 assistance credit will be applied directly to the customer’s monthly water bill beginning in July. The credit cannot exceed the amount owed for that billing period, and any unused portion will not carry over to future months.
Customers who move from one qualifying residence within the District to another may remain in the program as long as their eligibility continues and there is no break in residency.
If you think you may qualify, applications will be available during the May enrollment period on the District’s WaterSmart website at https://soquelcreekwd.watersmart.com. Log in or create a new account (you will need your account number for a new account), go to the “Services and Forms” tab and fill out the CAP form. Applicants will need to provide documentation showing enrollment in either the PG&E CARE or CalFresh programs.
Water is a basic necessity that supports the health and well-being of every household in our community. Programs like the Customer Assistance Program help ensure that when families face financial challenges, access to this essential service is not put at risk.
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If you or someone you know may qualify, we encourage you to apply during the open enrollment period (May 1-31) and take advantage of the support available. Apply at https://soquelcreekwd.watersmart.com/index.php/welcome