Leak relief and household assistance

A high water bill may have a path to review

Hidden plumbing failures can produce an alarming bill before the problem is visible. This guide separates what Desert Water Agency (DWA) publicly describes from the practical steps every customer can take while requesting help.

Provider-specific review

What the public record says about a leak adjustment

DWA's Low Income, High Bill Assistance Program applies to Help2Others-qualified single-family or individually metered condominium customers whose usage exceeds 2.5 times the same month's normal use. The customer must repair the leak, provide receipts or repair invoices to assistance@dwa.org, and still pay the normal bill and other charges. The credit covers only excess water use, can apply to a maximum of two consecutive bills, and eligibility is limited to two separate high-bill leak events in a 12-month period; normal use is calculated from the prior three years for the same month. The program does not cover simple overwatering or an incorrectly set irrigation timer, and credit is subject to available funding.

Stop the loss

Shut off the failing fixture or supply and arrange a qualified repair.

Keep proof

Save dated invoices, parts receipts, photographs, and meter readings.

Request review

Submit the request promptly and keep paying any undisputed amount.

Utility assistance

Customer assistance and eligibility

DWA cannot provide a general discounted water rate or ordinary bill forgiveness for low-income or senior customers. Its Help2Others program, administered with Inland SoCal United Way, can provide eligible low-income customers a $200 water-bill credit per year. DWA also offers payment plans through 760-323-4971 extension 129; the published program does not state a separate senior or disabled-veteran discount.

State and federal connections

Where to ask for broader aid

DWA directs income-qualified customers to Help2Others through Inland SoCal United Way, LIHEAP through Community Action Partnership of Riverside County at 951-955-2230 and caliheapapply.com, and local Salvation Army/Catholic Charities resources. DWA's prior LIHWAP notice states that Riverside County residents with past-due water or sewer bills could apply through Community Action Partnership at 951-955-4900; customers should confirm current program availability before relying on that older program reference.

Research status for this provider

4 of 4 relief signals publicly identified

Verify with official provider ↗

Emergency route

Published detail

Leak policy

Published detail

Utility aid

Published detail

State/federal aid

Published detail

Leak and assistance notes

Build the file before asking Desert Water Agency (DWA) for relief

A high bill can have several causes, including a hidden plumbing failure, irrigation use, a meter issue, a change in occupancy, or a rate adjustment. The provider’s leak policy determines whether any credit is available; an unusually high bill does not automatically qualify.

Keep a dated record of the reading, the suspected source, the repair, the contractor or parts receipt, and the return to normal use. Ask whether the utility requires a specific form, a licensed repair, a meter test, photos, or a request within a fixed number of days.

For income-related difficulty, ask about local assistance, payment arrangements, state programs, and community referrals separately from a leak adjustment. These programs often use different applications, documents, funding limits, and deadlines.

Return to utility profile →Review shut-off protection →Open payment methods →