Water Bill Assistance Available For Veolia Customers In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River residents who are struggling with their bills because of inflation may be eligible for help with from Veolia with their water bills.

The water company says it is continuing to offer help to eligible customers who are faced with financial challenges.

In the last few years, the company has eliminated or reduced bills for eligible residents through a number of programs, amounting to nearly $3 million in New Jersey.

"The last few years have been challenging for people everywhere. Following an unprecedented pandemic, inflation is resulting in rising costs for almost everything," said Karine Rouge, CEO of municipal water for Veolia North America. "This is particularly difficult for working families who may be struggling just to keep up with basic needs like water. Water is an essential resource and we must do our part to help those who need it most."

Veolia has multiple programs aimed at helping eligible customers in New Jersey:

In 2022, more than 22,000 customers received a one-time automatic credit on their bills. The company said it has worked with regulators in select states nationwide to forgive water bills that were in arrears totaling over $6.8 million.

In addition, Veolia Cares granted nearly $26,000 last year, $115,000 since 2020, to customers in New Jersey needing temporary assistance with water bills. Eligible households may have their water bills reduced once per year. To learn more about this nonprofit program visit cares.veolia.org.

The company also continues to help reduce payments as part of LIHWAP, a federally funded program administered by individual states to help low-income households with past-due water and wastewater bills. Individual customers can apply for up to $2,500 to pay down their debt. New Jersey residents can find information at NJ 211 online or by calling 800-510-3102.

"We encourage customers who may need help to take advantage of these programs if they have not done so already. While water bills are often the smallest part of a household budget, every little bit helps," Rouge said.