Homeowner Water Conservation Assistance Program
The Jefferson County Department of Community and Economic Development will use funds under its Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation program to assist eligible applicants who are experiencing water leaks that are causing spikes in water usage, thus increasing sewer bills.
Participation in the program will only be available to eligible homeowner households that are located in the Jefferson County HUD Consortium, which includes all of Jefferson County with the exception of Birmingham, Hoover and Bessemer, who themselves are HUD entitlement cities. In addition County Line, Argo, Sumiton and Helena are not members of the Consortium
Minimum qualifications for the program are:
1. Homeowner;
2. Household income must be 80% of Median Household Level f, as specified by HUD for Jefferson County; and
3. Home located in the Jefferson County Consortium.
Eligible work to be performed includes the supply and distribution side of the water service. This includes all water and distribution and supply lines on the homeowner’s side of the meter and any plumbing fixtures that leak and need to be repaired or replaced. Examples would include leaking water lines such as pipes that burst due to cold weather or pipes that have deteriorated over time. Plumbing fixtures might include a faucet, shower valve, toilet or leaking water heater,
The Department of Community and Economic Development will work with Jefferson County Environmental Services and the Bessemer Utilities to identify customers that may be experiencing spikes in water bills.
Once the department receives a referral from the agencies, a Housing Rehabilitation staff person from the department will inspect the home to determine if the spike is the result of a leak or damage to the water distribution system. If the inspection reveals an eligible water leak, the homeowner will be required to complete an application to determine eligibility.
Once the application is approved, a Community Development staff person will develop a work write up to be used for engagement of a contracted plumber previously procured by the County.
The pilot program will be funded on the basis of available funds, which are initially estimated to be $90,000.
