Customers may be eligible for one bill reduction per 12 month period. Customers that meet financial hardship requirements may also qualify for assistance from the City’s Change Up Program even if they have received a bill reduction.

Plumbing Repair Reduction

Customers may be eligible for a bill reduction when plumbing problems occur on the property. Before an account can be reviewed for an adjustment, proof of repairs is required.

Rules:

  • Customers will need to submit the following:
    • Copies of the repair bill or a written statement reflecting the item repaired and the date repairs were completed.
    • Copies of receipts reflecting the purchase of parts or supplies needed to make repairs.
  • After repairs have been completed, the water usage at the location must return to normal before a credit can be applied to the account.
  • No more than 3 months are adjusted for any plumbing problem event.
  • Only 1 adjustment is allowed per 12 month period.
  • How a plumbing repair reduction is calculated

Courtesy Reduction

Customers may be eligible for a one month reduction of water and sewer charges by 50% after a high use bill. Courtesy reductions are used if a customer cannot identify the cause of an unexpected high use or if the cause was not from a leak that has since been repaired.

Deborah Christie Customer Assistance Program

The Deborah Christie Customer Assistance Program (previously known as the Change-Up program) is available to Columbia Water customers in critical financial need to help pay their past-due water and sewer bills. Deborah was the long-time Community Development Director for the City who not only was dedicated to assisting citizens in need, but also designed innovative programs to do so including the Change-Up Program.

If you qualify, the program will pay for up to 75% of a water or sewer bill up to $500. This can include any past-due balance or fees. Customers can receive assistance up to 2 times every 36 months (3 years) but no more than one time every 12 months.

To qualify you must:

  • Be a single-family residential customer
  • Have a minimum 6 month payment history
  • Have income at or below the 50% Area Median Income for Richland County
  • Meet with City representatives to go over other program requirements.

To see if you qualify for assistance, Contact Customer Care at +1 (803) 545-3300. You can download the application and checklist here or by clicking the thumbnail image to the right. Once completed, the form and appropriate documentation can be sent to DCCAProgram@columbiasc.gov.