City of St. Louis Offers Residents Financial Assistance for Past Due Water Bills

The City of St. Louis, in partnership with the Collector of Revenue Gregory F.X. Daly and United Way, will begin the Water Utility Assistance Program for St. Louis residents with delinquent accounts. In 2020, the City instituted a water shutoff moratorium that deferred payment for residents unable to pay their water bills. The moratorium on water shutoffs will be lifted on September 1, 2025.

There are more than 13,400 past due residential accounts totaling $12.6M in overdue funds. Our municipal water—with the residents of St Louis as the 'owners'—cannot continue to function and provide the City with high-quality water for the long term under an indefinite moratorium. We have drained financial reserves while operating at financial deficits and need to help customers get back on track for the long-term viability of our City's water,” said Mayor Cara Spencer.

Residents can apply for assistance through the online portal starting August 20, 2025. The financial assistance program is designed to assist residents with a one-time credit of up to $500 applied directly to their account. Residents will also be required to enroll in a repayment plan with the Collector of Revenue’s Office to pay the remaining balance. Based on the amount of their balance, residents will have the opportunity to enroll in a 6-month repayment plan or a 12-month repayment plan.

“The assistance program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ensuring access to essential services for all residents, particularly through challenging times. The program exemplifies our dedication to working with residents, providing them with the support and resources they need to regain stability. As always, we remain committed to finding innovative ways to serve our residents,” said Collector Gregory F.X. Daly.

Eligibility Requirements

• Only City Residents who are residential account holders in the City of St. Louis are eligible.
• Eligible customers can receive up to $500 in assistance towards their delinquent water service balance. Any remaining balance, including the Refuse charge, will be the responsibility of the account holder as part of a repayment plan.
• Applicants must demonstrate (self-attest) COVID-19 pandemic-related hardship in lost income.
• Applicants must enroll in a repayment plan with the Collector of Revenue.
• Applicants must meet income threshold qualifications of earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income. See the chart of household income limits below:

Household Income at 60% AMI (Area Median Income)

Family Size	Annual Income
1	$43,380
2	$49,560
3	$55,740
4	$61,920
5	$66,900
6	$71,880
7	$76,800
8	$81,780

For information regarding the application and required eligibility documentation, please visit the STLWater website.

Required Documentation

• Proof of identity
• Copy of recent water bill
• For ALL adults in the household:
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of a social security number

Personal information WILL NOT be shared with anyone. 

Repayment Plans and Other Assistance

Navigating financial challenges can be stressful; the City is committed to providing solutions that mitigate that stress. Residents are encouraged to contact the City’s customer service team at (314) 771-2255 to discuss repayment options. 

Special Note Regarding Tornado Impact

In our ongoing effort to support residents impacted by the recent tornado, the St. Louis Water Division will not be shutting off water service to any property within the tornado impact zone. This moratorium on shutoffs due to non-payment or delinquent balances will remain in effect for these impacted residents as the recovery process continues, ensuring they can focus on rebuilding without the worry of losing essential water service.

For more information on the City’s Water Utility Assistance Program, visit Water Utility Assistance.