City launches utility assistance program
In an effort to ease the burden on low- and moderate-income households during the peak summer months, Eagle Mountain City has launched a new water utility assistance program, funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
The initiative, approved by the Eagle Mountain City Council and supported by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is aimed at helping eligible residents cover a portion of their water bills during the highest usage months of the year: June, July, and August.
“This program recognizes the strain that summer water bills can put on our residents who are already working hard to make ends meet,” said Natalie Winterton, Assistant to the City Manager. “We know that even modest support can make a meaningful difference.”
The water utility assistance program will provide a subsidy of 50% off an eligible applicant’s water bill, up to a maximum of $75 per month while funds last. The assistance will last for three months and is intended to coincide with peak irrigation and outdoor watering usage.
“We timed this program for the summer months very intentionally,” Winterton said. “That’s when residential water use tends to spike, especially in a desert climate like ours. By helping out during that time, we hope to relieve some of the seasonal pressure on household budgets.”
To qualify, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements established by HUD, including:
- Being a current resident of Eagle Mountain City
- Owning the property for which they are applying
- Meeting income eligibility thresholds tied to the federal HEAT program
- Submitting household income documentation through tax forms or pay stubs
The full list of qualifications, as well as the application, is available on the City’s utility billing page.
The program was introduced in the wake of a recent utility rate adjustment that sparked public concern. While the City emphasized its commitment to small, incremental rate increases to ensure long-term system stability, some residents expressed frustration over the rising costs.
“This new assistance program is part of a broader effort to ensure our utilities remain sustainable,” said Winterton. “We recognize that any rate increase, even a modest one, can affect families differently. This is our way of addressing those differences directly.”
For those interested in applying, the City encourages early submissions as the summer months progress. The online application can be found on the City’s utility billing webpage.