The City of Galesburg is resuming its policy of shutting off water to properties with past due bills starting in September.
The halt went into effect in March of 2020 and after restarting again briefly shut-offs were halted again in August of 2020 so low-income residents wouldn’t be without water during a public health emergency.
If residents are behind on their bill they will have the option of making a payment plan but they first must call the Water Department to set up an in-person meeting.
Assistance is available for some residents through LIHWAP or the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program.
That’s administered locally by the Knox County Health Department, and they can be reached by calling 344-2224.
LIHWAP only will help if the water/sewer portion of the bill is over $250 though and will deduct the refuse portion of the bill first and not provide assistance for that at all.
But if you’re not eligible for LIHWAP then the Galesburg General Assistance office also has programs that may be able to help.
General Assistance programs include one for adults with no income and no minor children in the home receiving up to $322 per month towards an outstanding water bill.
There’s also a program for families with incomes between $732 and $2,500, in which they could be eligible for up to $1,000 in help.
The number for the General Assistance office is 343-9059.
