Note: This blog was slightly updated following ruling by two federal judges that the pause in SNAP benefits is likely unlawful. As of Nov 3, it’s not clear when SNAP funding using US Department of Agriculture continency funds will resume. Even with contingency funding flowing, it will fall short of the full amount it takes to run SNAP for the month. 

As the federal government shutdown stretches into its fifth week, the financial security of Americans hangs in the balance. With roughly three-quarters of a million federal workers furloughed, and another nearly 42 million Americans facing uncertainty about retaining their SNAP benefits, many households are facing difficult choices about what they can afford. Food on the table, rent, or other bills that cover the necessities of life, including water and wastewater services.  

In a time when it feels nearly impossible to influence decision-makers at the federal level, we can, and should, turn towards the leadership of local and state decision-makers to alleviate these pressing household challenges.  

• In the town of Rainier, Oregon, Mayor Jerry Cole released an administrative order to waive water utility late fees and water shutoffs for furloughed federal employees until 30 days after the government shutdown ends, recognizing that they’ll be hard strapped to cover living expenses during this period. 
• In Atlanta, GA, Mayor Andre Dickens announced an eviction and water shutoff moratorium to support residents impacted by the lapse in SNAP benefits. The emergency initiative includes a moratorium on water disconnections through January 31, 2026, or when the federal shutdown ends.

• The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority issued a notice allowing furloughed federal workers to defer water bill payments without penalty.  

• In Maryland, where the federal government is the largest employer in the state, WSSC Water, the largest utility in the state, took action at the beginning of October. They suspended water shutoffs for customers impacted by the shutdown, waived late fees, and extended enrollment in an assistance program.  
• The city commissioners in Panama City, FL voted to allow qualifying customers who receive SNAP benefits or are federal employees impacted by the shutdown to defer utility bill payment without penalty or service disconnection during the government shutdown.

Members of Congress have also issued statements imploring utilities to consider suspending shutoffs and late payment fees and penalties for federal workers.  

But with SNAP, the largest food assistance program in the country, at risk of running dry in the near term for nearly one in eight Americans, this shutdown could soon be sharply felt by families already struggling to make ends meet.  

Taking Action 

• Has your water utility or local government taken action to care for their community members that may be affected by this November 1 deadline?  

• Are you looking for ways to proactively put up safeguards for impacted residents?  

River Network’s Drinking Water Guide, and this Taking Action fact sheet offer several routes to engagement, along with our Equitable Water Infrastructure Toolkit – particularly the sections on Utilities, Affordability, and Decision-Making and Influence.  

Briefly, we recommend reaching out to local elected officials and utility leaders to ask for the following for customers affected by the end of SNAP funding or job furloughs: 

• Pause water disconnections  

• Waive late fees or other penalties related to delayed payment of bills   

• Boost communication efforts related to payment programs and other assistance opportunities customers can tap into.  

PS: We’re getting ready to publish a new resource: Keep the Water Flowing: Best Practices for Avoiding Water Shutoffs – stay tuned!