Philadelphia Water Shutoffs in 2026–27: How to Stop One, Get It Back On, and Lower Your Bill
Philadelphia only pauses residential water shutoffs in winter, from December 1 through March 31. The rest of the year, a past-due water bill can turn into a shutoff notice. Shutoff notices for spring go out starting in late February, with 35 days' notice. If you're behind now, the next few months are the best time to get protected before the cycle starts again.
The good news is that Philadelphia has some of the strongest water affordability rules of any big U.S. city. Here's how they work, who qualifies, and exactly what to do if you have a shutoff notice in hand.
If You Have a Shutoff Notice Right Now
Do these in order:
Request an assistance application immediately. The city gives a 30-day window of protection from shutoff to any customer who requests an application. You're also protected while the Water Revenue Bureau (WRB) reviews it. Submit it within the 30 days.
Check whether "Raise Your Hand" covers you. If a senior (65 or older), a person with a disability or serious illness, or a child under 18 lives in your home, your water will not be shut off. Your balance can keep growing, but your service stays on. This applies to tenants too.
Ask about a medical delay. If someone in the home is seriously ill, the WRB can delay a shutoff once a year, during the March to November period.
Contact the WRB. Call (215) 685-6300 or email wrbhelpdesk@phila.gov. Watch for calls, texts, or visits from the city's partner outreach workers. They're authorized to help you enroll.
One catch: Raise Your Hand protection resets each year when the winter moratorium starts on December 1. If you're still at risk next spring, you have to contact the WRB again to re-enroll.
TAP: A Water Bill Based on Your Income
The Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) is Philadelphia's income-based water rate. Under the city's 2026 eligibility guidelines:
Household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level: Your monthly bill can be fixed at 2% to 3% of household income.
Some households above that line: A bill of about 4% of income may be available.
Special Hardship: If your income is higher but you've had a job loss, a change in the household, or high monthly expenses, you can still apply.
Shutoff protection: Customers enrolled in TAP are protected from shutoff.
TAP also comes with debt forgiveness. Pay 24 TAP bills in full, and eligible old water debt is cleared from your account. For many households that's the biggest benefit, because an old balance can be thousands of dollars.
If you fall behind on TAP bills themselves, the city's regulations allow a TAP payment agreement, generally in 12 equal installments. That agreement can also get your service restored.
Other Discounts Worth Checking
Senior Citizen Discount. It's a 25% discount for seniors with household income under $38,000 a year, and people who receive it are protected from shutoff.
One application covers everything. You don't need to guess which program fits. The WRB uses one application for all water assistance and enrolls you in whichever program helps you most.
Tenants: You Have Rights Too
Many Philadelphia renters pay the water bill directly, and some have water bills in their landlord's name. Either way:
Raise Your Hand protections apply to tenants.
If your landlord is behind on a water bill in their name and you get a shutoff warning, call the WRB right away. The city's regulations include options for occupants who are authorized users of the service.
For free legal advice on your rights as a tenant, call the Philly Tenant Hotline at (267) 443-2500.
What to Bring When You Apply
Proof of income for everyone in the household, such as pay stubs, benefit letters, or an unemployment statement.
Your water account number from a recent bill.
Photo ID.
If you're applying under Special Hardship, documents that show what changed, such as a layoff notice, medical bills, or a new household member.
Apply early. When shutoffs resume each spring, the city warns that call wait times get longer.
Related Guides
If water is one of several bills piling up, these guides list Philadelphia churches and nonprofits that help with rent, food and utilities:
Closing Thoughts
Philadelphia gives you more tools than most cities to keep the water on, but you have to use them. Request an application the day you get a notice, and tell the WRB if anyone in your home is a senior, a child, or seriously ill. If your income qualifies, get into TAP. Paying a bill based on your income and having your old debt forgiven is worth far more than one month's catch-up.
Program details come from the City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Water Department, and the 2026 assistance eligibility guidelines, checked in October 2026. Confirm current rules with the Water Revenue Bureau.
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