Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications

Water

Water is a basic human need. Water and sewer service should be affordable for all, and water debt collection should not lead to loss of housing. From cities and towns to the federal government, NCLC fights for affordable water and sewer service for all households.

Turn On the Tap

June 20, 2025

Case studies explore how low-income water affordability and assistance programs around the country are using data sharing to increase participation.

Read More about: Turn On the Tap
June 1, 2022
September 28, 2022

Recent

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Turn On the Tap

June 20, 2025

AI Infrastructure Sign On Letter to the White House

October 4, 2024

Letter Urging Bridge Funding on Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

October 18, 2023

Agreement on Home Appliance Efficiency Standards Will Preserve Consumer Features and Deliver Remarkable Energy Savings

September 13, 2023

Letter to EPA re PFAS Drinking Water Regulations

May 28, 2023

Group Letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee RE: the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

April 5, 2023

A Guide for Advocates to Recent Federal COVID-19 Relief to Help Consumers Pay for Essential Energy, Water, and Broadband Service

September 28, 2022

Water Affordability Advocacy Toolkit

June 1, 2022

Testimony on FY 2023 Appropriations for the HHS Low Income Household Water Assistance Program

May 26, 2022

Comments & Letters

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AI Infrastructure Sign On Letter to the White House

October 4, 2024

Letter Urging Bridge Funding on Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

October 18, 2023

Letter to EPA re PFAS Drinking Water Regulations

May 28, 2023

Group Letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee RE: the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

April 5, 2023

NCLC and NRDC Comments Regarding Expedited OMB Review and Public Comment on Low Income Household Water Assistance Program Data Collection

December 21, 2021

Opposition to Lifting Dekalb County Water Disconnection Moratorium

May 26, 2021

Letter to U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Regarding Implementation of the Low-Income Drinking Water and Wastewater Emergency Assistance Program

February 10, 2021

Reports

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Turn On the Tap

June 20, 2025

Water Affordability Advocacy Toolkit

June 1, 2022

Issue Briefs

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A Guide for Advocates to Recent Federal COVID-19 Relief to Help Consumers Pay for Essential Energy, Water, and Broadband Service

September 28, 2022

Energy, Water, and Communications: Priorities for COVID Relief & Biden’s 1st 100 Days

December 1, 2020

Fact Sheet on Recent Federal Covid-19 Relief Funding to Help Consumers with Water and Sewer Bills

Testimonies

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Testimony on FY 2023 Appropriations for the HHS Low Income Household Water Assistance Program

May 26, 2022

Briefing Statement to the Massachusetts Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights Regarding Access to Safe and Affordable Water During and Beyond COVID-19

May 19, 2020

Press Releases & News

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Agreement on Home Appliance Efficiency Standards Will Preserve Consumer Features and Deliver Remarkable Energy Savings

September 13, 2023

Key Broadband Affordability Wins in Biden’s Infrastructure Bill

November 8, 2021

LDF and NCLC Urge DeKalb County, Georgia, to Delay Lifting Water Disconnection Moratorium, Implement Stronger Protections Against Shutoffs

May 26, 2021

President Biden’s American Jobs Plan Would Deliver Clean Water, Electric Transportation Grid, High-Speed Broadband, and Housing Equity

April 1, 2021

National Consumer Law Center Advocates’ Statement Regarding U.S. House Passage of HEROES Act

May 15, 2020

COVID-19 Crisis: Advocates Call for U.S. Governors to Take Immediate Action to Ensure Residents are Protected from Utility Shut Offs

March 27, 2020

From the NCLC Digital Library

Access to Utility Service

NCLC’s treatise on delivery of water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications, with everything a practitioner needs to know on metering, payments, telecommunications, and assistance programs.

Read Chapter One

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