What is the Water Residential Assistance Program?
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) launched the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) in 2015 to provide financial assistance to qualifying low-income households in the GLWA service area. WRAP helps households with low incomes permanently reduce their water, sewer, and drainage services bills by providing water conservation measures and offering bill payment and arrearage assistance. The program is funded by at one half of one percent of GLWA budgeted revenues.
Representatives from the surrounding counties worked together with GLWA to create a program that is first of its kind in Michigan, and one of only a few models for sustainable assistance plans in the country. GLWA engages with local service delivery partners who have direct oversight of the implementation and marketing of the program in their service areas, allowing for more tailored outreach efforts. Our partners include Macomb Community Action Agency (MCA) and the founding-administer Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro).
By The Numbers
Program Elements
- Direct Bill Payment Assistance
- Arrearage Assistance
- Conservation Assistance and Minor Plumping Repairs
Program Benefits
- While enrolled, households cannot have their water shut off
- Program participants receive water conservation education
- Community action agency partners can provide households with additional wrap around programming
- Utilities receive additional revenue on a reoccurring basis
- Program design is intentionally flexible to adjust to changing demands and needs
Who is Eligible for WRAP?
Households may be eligible for WRAP if they meet the following requirements:
- Reside within the GLWA service region
- Household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
- Are responsible for paying their water bill
- Own OR rent the home
HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WRAP
GLWA engages local service delivery partners to administer the program. This partnership leverages the other resources and assistance programs available, working to ensure residents have adequate support outside of just their water bill.
Wayne County (Including City of Detroit, Washtenaw County, and Monroe County
Wayne Metro Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro)
7310 Woodward Ave., Ste. 800
Detroit, MI 48202
313-873-6000
Macomb County, Lapeer County and St. Clair County
Macomb Community Action (MCA)
21885 Dunham Rd., Ste. 10
Clinton Township, MI 48036
586-469-6999
Oakland County
Wayne Metro Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro)
7310 Woodward Ave., Ste. 800
Detroit, MI 48202
248-983-5656
City of Flint
Wayne Metro Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro)
7310 Woodward Ave., Ste. 800
Detroit, MI 48202
810-510-9727
Outreach & Education
WRAP’s Impact in the Community
- “The water auditor explained everything that needed repairing and changed some things on the spot to save water, like my shower head. Thank you WRAP for all of your assistance!”
- “I requested assistance and I was treated with respect, my application link was sent directly to me, and I did not have to wait many days anticipating a decision.”
- “I was shown how my water meter works, also tips for saving water to keep my bill down. Please keep educating residents about water!”
