Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Establishment Act

This bill would create the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). It authorizes the federal government to award grants to states and eligible Indian tribes to help low-income households pay past-due water and wastewater bills and ongoing water/wastewater charges. Grants go to owners and operators of public water systems or treatment works, not directly to households, and are intended to reduce arrears and prevent disconnections or unaffordable bills. The program would also fund qualified nonprofit organizations to help rural, underserved areas or tribal jurisdictions access these funds. Eligibility for the program ties to existing low-income support programs (such as SNAP, SSI, TANF, VA benefits, and LIHEAP) or household income tests based on poverty level or local income measures. The bill sets aside a portion of funding for Indian tribes and requires technical assistance to streamline eligibility data sharing. Funding is authorized at $500 million annually for 2026–2030.