CFAs: Alternative Approaches to Water Shutoffs for Nonpayment of Bills

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) invites researchers and water-sector professionals to develop practical strategies that reduce customer water shutoffs for non-payment. The project, with up to $200,000 in funding over 18 months, aims to balance utility financial health with equitable customer service through innovative billing practices, payment plans, and third-party support programs.

Project Overview

The WRF project focuses on exploring alternatives to water shutoffs for non-payment, addressing a long-standing challenge in the water industry. By examining strategies that maintain service continuity while protecting utility revenue, the project seeks to develop actionable insights for utilities of all sizes and types.

Objectives

• Identify and evaluate alternatives to water shutoffs, including payment plans, discount programs, and customer support initiatives.

• Assess the impact of billing practices, fee structures, reconnection charges, and communication methods on customer payment behavior.

• Understand the role of external support, such as third-party programs, in reducing arrearages and preventing late payments.

• Develop case studies highlighting benefits, challenges, and best practices for implementing equitable water service strategies.

Funding and Duration

• Project Duration: 18 months

• Funding Available: Up to $200,000

• Cost Share Requirement: Minimum one-third of requested funding, which can be in-kind or direct financial contributions.

Who is Eligible?

• U.S. and international organizations, including:

  • Universities

  • Research institutions

  • Government agencies

  • Consulting firms

  • For-profit companies

• Applicants must demonstrate the ability to contribute cost share or in-kind support in accordance with federal requirements.

How the Project Works

1. Research Phase:

   • Collect data on current utility shutoff practices and customer payment behavior.

   • Analyze the effectiveness of alternative strategies in maintaining service and utility sustainability.

2. Case Study Development:

   • Identify real-world examples of successful interventions.

   • Evaluate challenges and lessons learned to guide best practices.

3. Recommendations and Tools:

   • Provide actionable guidance for utilities to implement alternative approaches.

   • Share strategies that balance financial viability with customer equity.

Key Considerations

• Focus on maintaining service continuity while minimizing utility financial risk.

• Include diverse populations and utility sizes to ensure broad applicability.

• Integrate real-world experiences, third-party programs, and innovative payment models.

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly demonstrate organizational capacity to manage funds and complete research tasks.

• Highlight prior experience with utility operations, customer engagement, or payment management programs.

• Provide a detailed plan for cost-sharing contributions.

• Include a strategy for generating actionable, practical outcomes from research findings.

FAQ

1. What is the primary goal of the project?
   To identify practical solutions that reduce water shutoffs while maintaining utility financial health and service reliability.

2. Who can apply?
   Universities, research institutions, government agencies, consulting firms, and for-profit organizations both in the U.S. and internationally.

3. How much funding is available?
   Up to $200,000 over an 18-month project period.

4. Is cost sharing required?
   Yes, applicants must contribute at least one-third of the requested funding, in-kind or direct costs.

5. What types of strategies will be evaluated?
   Payment plans, discount programs, billing and reconnection practices, communication methods, and third-party support interventions.

6. Will the research focus on specific utility sizes?
   No, the project is designed to include utilities of varying sizes and contexts to ensure broad applicability.

7. What is the expected outcome of the project?
   Practical, evidence-based guidance and case studies to help utilities implement alternative strategies to shutoffs while promoting equity and sustainability.

Conclusion

This WRF initiative provides a unique opportunity for researchers and water-sector professionals to shape equitable, sustainable water service practices. By combining rigorous analysis with practical case studies, the project will equip utilities with actionable tools to reduce shutoffs, improve customer outcomes, and strengthen long-term operational resilience.