City Council Proposes Legislation to Tackle Rising Utility Bills and Inaccurate Water Meter Readings
Philadelphia residents may soon see some relief from soaring water bills under new legislation aimed at addressing affordability and incorrect meter readings that can result in added costs for consumers. The "Just Water" package, introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd), consists of two bills and a resolution.
The first bill seeks to expand eligibility for the Philadelphia Water Department's tiered assistance program, which provides financial help to low-income households struggling to pay their water bills. Currently, the program only helps households making up to 200% above the federal poverty level. The proposed expansion would increase this threshold to households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level.
The second bill would require the city to offset the cost of unpaid water bills when water meters fail to provide accurate readings for an extended period, typically 12 months or more. This can result in thousands of dollars in unpaid bills, which would be a significant burden on residents who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Gauthier has spoken out about the issue, citing a resident in her district who received an $8,000 bill after being upgraded to a new meter. The water department alleged that the old meter had been giving inaccurate readings for years, resulting in the previous homeowner owing money on their past usage. Gauthier argues that this is unfair and unacceptable, particularly when it comes to tenants who are not eligible for assistance programs because they cannot put water bills in their names.
The "Just Water" package also includes a resolution calling for a hearing to address issues surrounding tenants who lose access to water or are denied eligibility for assistance programs due to the city's policies. Gauthier believes that these policy failures have been allowed to continue for too long, and she hopes that the new legislation will ensure that every Philadelphian has access to clean, affordable, and reliable water.
As part of this effort, the Philadelphia Water Department began making upgrades in 2019, upgrading over 95% of eligible meters in the city. However, rates have continued to rise, with a nearly 10% increase announced in September and another expected hike in 2026. The average bill is projected to be roughly 25% higher than it was in 2023.
Gauthier emphasizes that these rising costs are particularly burdensome for working families who already struggle to make ends meet. "This means even more working families pinching pennies just to pay the bills," she said. "And for those already beyond their means, it means dry pipes. Every Philadelphian deserves water."
Philadelphia residents may soon see some relief from soaring water bills under new legislation aimed at addressing affordability and incorrect meter readings that can result in added costs for consumers. The "Just Water" package, introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd), consists of two bills and a resolution.
The first bill seeks to expand eligibility for the Philadelphia Water Department's tiered assistance program, which provides financial help to low-income households struggling to pay their water bills. Currently, the program only helps households making up to 200% above the federal poverty level. The proposed expansion would increase this threshold to households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level.
The second bill would require the city to offset the cost of unpaid water bills when water meters fail to provide accurate readings for an extended period, typically 12 months or more. This can result in thousands of dollars in unpaid bills, which would be a significant burden on residents who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Gauthier has spoken out about the issue, citing a resident in her district who received an $8,000 bill after being upgraded to a new meter. The water department alleged that the old meter had been giving inaccurate readings for years, resulting in the previous homeowner owing money on their past usage. Gauthier argues that this is unfair and unacceptable, particularly when it comes to tenants who are not eligible for assistance programs because they cannot put water bills in their names.
The "Just Water" package also includes a resolution calling for a hearing to address issues surrounding tenants who lose access to water or are denied eligibility for assistance programs due to the city's policies. Gauthier believes that these policy failures have been allowed to continue for too long, and she hopes that the new legislation will ensure that every Philadelphian has access to clean, affordable, and reliable water.
As part of this effort, the Philadelphia Water Department began making upgrades in 2019, upgrading over 95% of eligible meters in the city. However, rates have continued to rise, with a nearly 10% increase announced in September and another expected hike in 2026. The average bill is projected to be roughly 25% higher than it was in 2023.
Gauthier emphasizes that these rising costs are particularly burdensome for working families who already struggle to make ends meet. "This means even more working families pinching pennies just to pay the bills," she said. "And for those already beyond their means, it means dry pipes. Every Philadelphian deserves water."
. It's about time our city takes action on inaccurate water meter readings and rising utility bills. I mean, who hasn't been there, right? 
It's not fair that some people are being charged thousands of dollars in unpaid bills just because their old meter was faulty. The "Just Water" package seems like a solid start to address this issue.
. And, let's be real, who doesn't want affordable and reliable water? It's not just about saving money; it's about having access to basic human needs.
. I hope the city can find a way to balance affordability with infrastructure upgrades. Fingers crossed 
that every Philadelphian can enjoy clean, affordable, and reliable water 
.
I feel so bad for those people getting those huge bills cuz their meter was being all wonky and they didn't get a chance to correct it. It's just not right that they gotta pay thousands of dollars because the city didn't catch it sooner. And what really gets me is that some folks can't even put water bills in their names, so they're stuck without help. We need more stuff like this "Just Water" package to make sure everyone has access to affordable water. I'm all for helping out those working families who are already stretched thin. It's time for our city leaders to step up and do something about these rising utility bills. 
I mean, can't we just get straight to the point? So, this Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is trying to help out Philly residents who are getting ripped off by inaccurate water meter readings and super high bills. I think it's about time someone did something about it 
. And what's up with the city not covering unpaid bills when meters are stuck on incorrect readings? Like, who hasn't had a pipe burst or two (or three, or four...)? 
It just doesn't seem fair.
.
. What's next? The city's gonna start paying off people's utility bills too? 
I mean, come on, if someone can't afford their water bill, maybe they shouldn't be living in the city. It sounds like people are just trying to get out of paying for something they don't want to pay for. And what about the 5% who are making a fortune off this system? 
Those people will still be fine, but the rest of us should have to deal with the consequences of our own lack of financial planning? 
. This is just common sense stuff, folks!
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! And offsetting unpaid bills due to faulty meters is genius 
. This legislation has the potential to make a huge impact on so many lives, and I'm all for it! 
councilmember gauthier is on point for proposing these changes, esp the part about expanding the tiered assistance program to help low-income households. 
. Every Philadelphian deserves access to clean, affordable, and reliable water – no excuses, no exceptions 
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