Low-income will get $10 off Modesto water bill

Modesto’s low-income water customers will get $10 off their monthly water bills under a plan approved Tuesday by the City Council.

The discount program starts Jan. 1. The city expects to publicize information within a couple of weeks about how customers can learn more about the program, including whether they qualify and how to apply.

A city report states the annual income limits for the program range from no more than $25,488 for a family of one to no more than $52,112 for a family of six. The $10 discount applies to the water bill’s fixed-cost portion, and customers could see additional savings through using less water, according to the city report.

Modesto already has a program for low-income seniors and disabled people that provides a 25 percent discount on the city’s monthly utility bill, which includes water, sewer and garbage services.

The report states qualifying households can take advantage of one but not both of these discount programs. The Central Valley Opportunity Center administers the 25 percent discount program on behalf of the city and can be reached at 209-577-3210.

The council asked for a discount program to help low-income customers pay their water bills after approving steep increases to water rates in August.

This story was originally published November 10, 2016 at 2:29 PM with the headline "Low-income will get $10 off Modesto water bill."