Atlanta revives water-bill aid as shutoff increase is planned

Atlanta relaunched its FLOAT water-bill assistance program on Nov. 2, 2026, while Watershed Commissioner Greg Eyerly said residential shutoffs are planned to resume afterward and rise from 60 a week to more than 300. That would be more than five times the current weekly pace, but it is a stated plan, not a change already in effect.

The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) says FLOAT will be available through Jan. 31, 2027, to eligible single-family residential customers. Its release describes qualifying balances as 61 days overdue. WABE describes the cutoff as 60 days or more, while CBS Atlanta reports at least 61 days; the one-day difference remains unresolved. Customers near the cutoff can call DWM to confirm how the department is applying the rule.

Customers who qualify may seek interest-free payment plans of up to 36 months, with down payments starting at 2.5% of the outstanding balance. DWM also lists late-fee and fine waivers, help with billing discrepancies and outstanding field-service requests, and additional flexibility for seniors and customers on fixed incomes. Account adjustments and one-time grants or credits are possible, but are not guaranteed.

DWM lists fee waivers as automatic, but WABE reported Deputy Commissioner Chiquita Barkley cautioned that benefits are not automatic and FLOAT is not blanket forgiveness. Customers must pursue the program; for requested billing corrections, Barkley said they must meet with a collection agent to assess the request.

Customers can book an appointment through the FLOAT website or call 404-546-0311. DWM listed extended hours at City Hall and its headquarters from 8:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 2–6, and weekday help at Rosel Fann, William Walker and C.T. Martin recreation centers from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Nov. 3. C.T. Martin also listed Saturday hours on Nov. 21 and Dec. 19, 2026, and Jan. 9 and Jan. 30, 2027.

Citywide delinquency and planned collections i

The City Auditor’s August 2026 follow-up reported that delinquent water and sewer balances grew 19% to $236 million across 60,168 accounts in April 2026, from $198 million and more than 54,000 accounts in June 2023. Those citywide figures describe delinquency, not the amount eligible for FLOAT or how many customers will qualify. The auditor also reported nearly $62 million in write-offs and said almost a quarter of active accounts were delinquent.

WABE reported that Eyerly said residential shutoffs would resume after FLOAT and increase from 60 to more than 300 per week. The same report noted criticism from some residents who objected to shutoffs while large companies still owed past-due water bills.