New program aims to reduce cost of water utilities for low-income Chicagoans

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Lori Lightfoot unveiled details on the city's utility billing relief program Friday.

The program is supposed to help low-income homeowners qualify for a reduction on their bills. Once a homeowner is approved, they'll be entered into a 12 month plan starting in April, so water and sewer charges and taxes will be cut in half.

The program will also suspend water shut-offs and collections to allow residents to get back into compliance.

"Today we are introducing a program that delivers on a promise I made to Chicago's residents. For far too long, too many residents have been forced to choose between paying for their water bill or other fundamental necessities," said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. "This program protects our residents, ensures access to basic human needs and builds on our commitment to reform our government toward ending systems that are punitive for those who can least afford it."

For more information on the utility billing relief program, text WATERBILL to 313131 or visit www.chicago.gov/ubr.