Many water companies will do what they can to work with customers to help them keep their service on. They may offer payment plans, allowing unpaid bills to be paid in installments, and other options. In addition, many counties across the nation have non-profit agencies, churches, or government programs that may offer cash assistance for paying water bills. While funding is almost always limited, and income criteria often need to be met, individuals should always look into their local resources.
While not as common, certain charity-type organizations like the Salvation Army, Saint Vincent DePaul, or Catholic Charities may provide financial help in an emergency. Each of these groups will have limited funding. If they can assist with unpaid water bills, it will usually only be a last resort and when a family is facing an unexpected emergency.
The programs are run locally, with assistance paid out in each town or county. Any grants that may be available to pay water costs will often be for families in a crisis or people at risk, such as the elderly or households with young children. Discounts, extensions, and payment programs are available from some water companies. In addition, government-mandated resources may be offered in certain states, counties, or cities that will provide discounts to income-qualified households. While these payment plans are not common, they do exist in some areas. They can generally provide customers more time to pay their backwater bills and the programs may provide other forms of assistance as well. 

Customers struggling with paying their water bills have a number of assistance programs they can turn to. Non-profit organizations, charities, churches, and government organizations may all offer assistance. Most of the programs have income limits in place, and will only help if a household is faced with a shut-off of their water service. Some of the options are below.

• American Water operates dozens of companies across the nation, including in Florida, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, and Massachusetts. They have resources they offer to those who need help paying their water bills, including the Low Income Payment Program as well as H2O Help to Others.
• There are also resources offered by non-profits, charities, government programs, and some payment plans that may be offered directly by water companies. Find details below on water bill assistance from local organizations.