The Bradford City Water Authority and The Bradford Sanitary Authority have enrolled to participate with the new federally funded LIHWAP program.

LIHWAP is a new temporary water assistance program created by the federal government that began in Pennsylvania on Jan. 4, 2022, to assist low-income residential customers that are experiencing hardships particularly caused by Covid-19 with paying their community drinking water or waste water bills.

Department of Human Services, County Assistance Offices (CAO’s) across the state (including the McKean County Assistance Office located at 68 Chestnut St. in Bradford) will review LIHWAP applications submitted by residents of Pennsylvania and authorize LIHWAP grants directly to participating water services providers on behalf of their eligible customers.

The amount of the LIHWAP grants will be based on the amount of the residential customer’s arrearage with the residential water or waste water services provider, up to $2,500 per drinking water and up to $2,500 per waste water services per household.

Approved LIHWAP funds will be sent directly to participating LIHWAP vendors by the PA Department of Treasury.

Residential customers with Bradford Water and Sanitary Authority’s needing assistance with arrearage are encouraged to reach out to the McKean County Assistance Office at 814-362-4671 for more information about this program including detailed information, eligibility requirements and application instructions. You can also contact the Water/Sanitary Office directly at 814-584-3212 or visit the LIHWAP webpage at www.dhs.pa.gov/waterhelp.