City Launches Stormwater Utility Hardship Assistance Program • Savannah Herald

City Launches Stormwater Utility Hardship Assistance Program

SAVANNAH, Ga. (Oct. 8, 2026) – The City of Savannah is launching a Stormwater Utility (SWU) hardship assistance program to provide stormwater utility fee assistance to eligible, low-income Savannah residents.

As part of the initiative, administered by the City of Savannah and operated by Economic Opportunity for Savannah-Chatham County Area, Inc. (EOA), residents interested in applying must meet established income eligibility guidelines and provide documentation verifying household income and other required information.

Appointments for the program will be scheduled by phone beginning Sunday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. ET. Applicants must call (912) 888-8082 to request an appointment. Appointments will not be scheduled through the EOA office or the EOA website.

How to Schedule an Appointment:

• Call 912-888-8082 | Press 1 to receive an appointment option
• Available appointment date and time will be provided
• Press 1 to accept appointment | Press 2 to decline
• Prior to end of call, officially accept or decline appointment
• Those desiring a different appointment date must hang up and place call again

Eligibility Requirements & Qualifications:

• Applicants must be current/active residential water utility account holders with City of Savannah
• Applicants’ permanent residence must reflect service address associated with utility account as primary residence
• Total household income at or below 200% of the 2026 federal poverty guidelines
• If utility account is past due, be enrolled/engaged in active payment plan in accordance with repayment arrangement

Income Requirements:

For 2026, the maximum annual household income to qualify is:

• 1 person: $31,920
• 2 people: $43,280
• 3 people: $54,640
• 4 people: $66,000
• 5 people: $77,360
• 6 people: $88,720
• 7 people: $100,080
• 8 people: $111,440

For households with more than eight people, $11,360 should be added for each additional household member.

The current household income limits represent 200% of the 2026 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia.

Required Documentation from Eligible Applicants:

• Current water/sewer bill documentation required at time of appointment
• Picture identification, such as driver’s license or state-issued photo ID | Expired forms of identification will not be accepted.
• Proof of income for previous 30 days for each adult household member

Acceptable proof of income may include but is not limited to:

• 2026 Social Security award letter
• Paycheck stub
• Letter documenting public assistance
• Unemployment benefits documentation
• Other applicable income verification

Residents are encouraged to be prepared with required documents prior to calling to schedule an appointment. All applicants must attend scheduled appointments in person at the EOA Cuyler Building, 618 West Anderson St. in Savannah and bring all required documentation.

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ABOUT ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR SAVANNAH-CHATHAM COUNTY AREA, INC.

Economic Opportunity for Savannah-Chatham County Area, Inc. (EOA) is a community action agency that provides community-based services to help individuals and families achieve economic independence and improve their quality of life. Established in 1965, EOA serves residents of Chatham County through programs focused on early learning, affordable housing, senior services, energy assistance, financial empowerment, and workforce development.

EOA MEDIA CONTACT: Bernadette Ball-Oliver, Chief Executive Officer | BernadetteO@eoasga.org | 912-238-2960 Ext. 102

ABOUT CITY OF SAVANNAH STORMWATER UTILITY

On January 22, 2026, the Savannah City Council approved the creation of a Stormwater Utility (SWU), establishing a dedicated and sustainable funding source to support the City’s stormwater and drainage system. The Stormwater Utility will strengthen Savannah’s ability to maintain aging infrastructure, address long-standing drainage issues, and prepare for future weather-related challenges.