The Water Revenue Bureau (WRB) and the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) offer a 25 percent discount on water bills through the Charity Water Rates and Charges Discount Program. The program is generally available to charities, churches, non-profit hospitals, schools, and universities.
For more information, please email WaterCharityHelp@phila.gov or call (215) 686-6906.
Who should apply?
Any non-profit or charity organization can apply for a discount on its water bill. Properties that may be eligible include:
- public or private school,
- institutions of purely public charity, as defined by the State Institutions of Purely Public Charity Act, 10 P.S. section 371,
- a place used for actual religious worship, and
- community gardens with a dedicated meter and water line.
Organizations must also meet the prevailing wage requirements outlined under Section 17-107(12) of the Philadelphia Code. Organizations that don’t meet this requirement are not eligible.
Before you apply
To apply for the discount, you must complete and submit an application form. You will also need to provide copies of proof documentation.
For each type of organization, you must provide only one of the following:
Institutions of Purely Public Charity:
- Copy of the registration on file with the Pennsylvania Department of State
Schools:
- Accreditation by the City of Philadelphia as a public school serving kindergarten through 12th grade (or some combination)
- Registration or licensure from the state as a nonpublic or private school serving kindergarten through 12th grade (or some combination)
Places of Religious Worship:
- Documentation that includes the organization’s website, a schedule of services, or similar
This discount does not apply to parish houses, secondary buildings, parking lots, or other properties that are not directly used for religious worship.
Other organizations:
Provide one of the following:
- State or federal tax documentation indicating charitable status
- Corporate formation documents
- Certification of charitable status by another state
Once your application is processed, we will contact qualifying applicants to schedule a visit of the property.
Review the instructions page for more details.
Ways to apply
You can apply by email or mail. If you apply by email, you will need to send copies or pictures of all your documents electronically along with the application. If you apply by mail, you will need to include photocopies of all your documents. (Do not send originals.)
Send completed applications to WaterCharityHelp@phila.gov or mail them to:
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 280
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Appealing a decision
The Water Revenue Bureau (WRB) will send a decision letter to the applicant’s address.
To appeal a denial, you may request an informal hearing with the WRB within 60 days of the date on the denial letter. An informal hearing is a meeting where you present your dispute to the bureau. It is called “informal” because it does not happen in a court. You will receive a letter scheduling your informal hearing from hearing officials.
Complete and submit this form to request an informal hearing.
What to expect once accepted
Once approved for the Charity Water Rates and Charges Discount Program, you will receive a 25 percent discount on your next water bill. It is important to pay your water bill on time and in full. If you’re more than 60 days delinquent, you might be removed from the program. If this happens, you won’t be able to reapply for 12 months.
After receiving the discount for at least two years, you will be asked to renew and submit proof documentation to recertify your qualifying status. Failure to complete the renewal process will result in removal.
If something changes with your organization, such as moving locations or closing, you must notify us immediately so we can apply the discount correctly. Failing to inform the WRB of changes may result in removal from the discount program. If you are removed, you cannot reapply for 12 months.