DeKalb County Government and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA) have launched the Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP), a new initiative aimed at helping income-eligible households manage their water and sewer bills. The program officially begins as the County’s planned 10 percent water and sewer rate increase goes into effect.
The increase marks the first phase of a long-term strategy to upgrade the County’s aging water and sewer system. DeKalb plans to implement a 10 percent rate adjustment each January for the next decade to fund these critical improvements. The goal is to reduce main breaks, improve service reliability, and maintain access to clean, safe drinking water for residents.
“We understand that any increase can be difficult for some households,” said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “That is why we have partnered with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to launch WRAP. This program will help keep water service affordable for our most vulnerable residents, while we continue to make the necessary investments to protect public health and support our county’s growth.”
WRAP limits eligible households’ water and sewer bills to no more than 4.5 percent of their annual income—a standard lower than federal and international affordability guidelines. Households already paying below that threshold do not qualify.
The Urban League of Greater Atlanta will oversee the program’s administration, including application intake and eligibility review.
“Access to clean, affordable water is a basic human necessity,” said Nancy Flake Johnson, President and CEO of ULGA. “Through WRAP, we are ensuring that no family has to choose between their water bill and other essential needs. We’re proud to stand with DeKalb County to make this support available.”
How to Apply (Beginning August 15):
- Website: DeKalbWaterAssist.org
- Phone: 404-371-6261
- Email: DeKalbWaterAssist@ulgatl.org
To learn more about WRAP, the new rate structure, and additional support resources, visit DeKalbWaterAssist.org.
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