Subsidy Program for Low-income Customers

This low-income subsidy program was authorized by the Pima County Board of Supervisors in response to concerns about the ability of low-income residents to pay steadily increasing sewer rates. Rate increases have been necessary to meet rising costs associated with operations and maintenance, rehabilitation of aging sewer infrastructure, and mandated projects to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.

The Sewer Outreach Subsidy program has a tiered rate structure based on federal poverty guidelines. Depending on income and household size, customers may qualify for a 25%, 50%, or 75% discount on their monthly sewer fees including the flat monthly service fee of $10.46.

To be eligible for a discount on the monthly sewer user fees, customers must meet the following guidelines:

• Be a residential sewer customer
• Have a water/sewer bill in their name
• Meet income guidelines

Federal Poverty Guidelines

(Based on 2012 Federal Guidelines)

100% Poverty Level = 75% Reduction
Persons        Annual      Monthly
in family:     income:     income:

      1            $11,170       $931
      2            $15,130       $1,261
      3            $19,090       $1,591
      4            $23,050       $1,921
      5            $27,010       $2,251
      6            $30,970       $2,581
      7            $34,930       $2,911
      8            $38,890       $3,241
Add $3,960 for each additional person over 8

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125% Poverty Level = 50% Reduction
Persons        Annual      Monthly
in family:     income:     income:

      1            $13,963       $1,164
      2            $18,913       $1,576
      3            $23,863       $1,989
      4            $28,813       $2,401
      5            $33,763       $2,814
      6            $38,713       $3,226
      7            $43,663       $3,639
      8            $48,613       $4,051
Add $4,950 for each additional person over 8

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150% Poverty Level = 25% Reduction
Persons        Annual      Monthly
in family:     income:     income:

      1            $16,755       $1,397
      2            $22,695       $1,892
      3            $28,635       $2,387
      4            $34,575       $2,882
      5            $40,515       $3,377
      6            $46,455       $3,872
      7            $52,395       $4,367
      8            $58,335       $4,862
Add $5,940 for each additional person over 8

How is income determined?

Income is considered the combined income of all persons who live in the home, including (but not limited to):

• Salary
• Child Support
• Alimony
• Interest Earnings
• Rental Income
• Supplemental Security Income
• Social Security
• Veteran Disability
• Retirement Benefits

How can I apply for the low-income subsidy?

The Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department is partnering with the Pima County Community Action Agency (PCCAA) to administer the program.

An appointment with PCCAA is required to determine eligibility. To schedule an appointment, please call (520) 243-6794. You must provide the following at your appointment:

• Picture ID
• Proof of income for the last thirty days
• Your wastewater utility bill

Residents should not call RWRD as no one in the Department is authorized to determine eligibility or approve applications.

For more information call the Pima County Community Action Agency at (520) 243-6794.