4,300 families watching their water debt vanish to zero

Pittsburgh's water authority is forgiving overdue bills for about 4,300 low-income households, erasing their debt over two years as long as they keep up with current payments. The households, all living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, were automatically enrolled in September under an updated version of the Arrearage Forgiveness Program. A family owing $1,000 before September 1st sees one twenty-fourth of that, roughly $41.60, wiped away each month they pay on time. After 24 months, the balance hits zero. Customers can miss up to two payments and stay on track. Miss a third, and they are removed. "There's help out there for people who are struggling," said Julie Mechling, Pittsburgh Water's director of customer service. The authority says the math works because more than 95% of customers carry no debt and miss no payments. It calls the arrangement mutual aid for the few who are struggling.