SAWS expands Uplift affordability program, launches auto‑enrollment pilot

SAWS told the council it would expand eligibility for its Uplift customer assistance program from 125% to 150% of the federal poverty level, which the presenters said would raise the income threshold for a family of four from $41,250 to $49,500 under 2026 federal guidelines. SAWS also proposed adding $550,000 annually for direct customer assistance: $200,000 for Project AGWA, $200,000 for Plumbers to People and $150,000 for Laterals to People.

To increase enrollment, SAWS described an auto‑enrollment pilot that uses ZIP‑code and street‑level data to identify eligible households in Council Districts 12 and 5 during a 180‑day pilot; SAWS said it planned phase‑2 outreach to Districts 3, 4, 6 and 7. Cecilia (SAWS) and staff said the program includes outreach and follow‑up during the pilot and estimated a minimum target enrollment increase of 10% in 2027, rising to as much as 29% by 2030. Councilmembers urged ongoing reporting and clear removal‑warning language to avoid enrolling households that later lose eligibility if they do not complete documentation.

"Customers enrolled in our Uplift program will not receive a rate increase under this proposal," SAWS staff said, emphasizing protections for the program’s existing participants.