Savannah households at or below 200% of the poverty line can now get help with the new stormwater fee. Call 912-888-8082 for an appointment. Income limits and what to bring.
Low-income Savannah households can now apply for help paying the city’s new stormwater fee. The fee has applied since July 1, under the city’s rate ordinance.
The city launched the hardship program in a release on Oct. 8. Economic Opportunity for Savannah-Chatham County Area Inc. (EOA), the county’s community action agency, runs it for the city. Appointments are booked by phone only, at 912-888-8082. The line opened at 7 p.m. Sunday.
The release does not say how much of the fee the program covers, how long it runs or whether the money is capped.
Who qualifies
The city’s release sets four conditions. You must:
- hold an active residential water account with the City of Savannah
- live at the service address on that account as your main home
- have a total household income at or below 200% of the 2026 federal poverty guidelines
- be on a payment plan, if your utility account is past due
These are the income limits for 2026:
| People in the household | Maximum yearly income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $111,440 |
For a household of more than eight, add $11,360 for each extra person.
How to apply
- Call 912-888-8082 and press 1 for an appointment option.
- You will be offered a date and time. Press 1 to accept or 2 to decline.
- Accept or decline before the call ends. For a different date, hang up and call again.
The city says appointments are not booked through the EOA office or the EOA website.
Every applicant has to attend in person at the EOA Cuyler Building, 618 W. Anderson St.
What to bring
- your current water and sewer bill
- a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID; expired IDs are not accepted
- proof of income for the past 30 days for each adult in the household
The city lists these as acceptable proof of income: a 2026 Social Security award letter, a pay stub, a public assistance letter or unemployment benefits paperwork.
What the fee costs
City Council created the stormwater utility on Jan. 22, and the fee began accruing July 1. The rate ordinance adopted that night puts each single-family home in one of four tiers. The tier depends on how much roof, driveway and other hard surface is on the lot.
| Tier | Hard surface on the lot | Per month | Per two-month bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 400 to 1,500 square feet | $2.09 | $4.18 |
| 2 | 1,501 to 4,000 square feet | $4.75 | $9.50 |
| 3 | 4,001 to 5,500 square feet | $8.35 | $16.70 |
| 4 | 5,501 to 10,000 square feet | $12.35 | $24.70 |
Homes with more than 10,000 square feet of hard surface pay $9.50 per two-month bill for every 2,500 square feet.
The ordinance bills the fee as part of the utility bill. It cannot be paid separately. If it goes unpaid, the whole bill is treated as in default, and the ordinance allows the city to shut off water service.
What it means for you
- Check your bill. The stormwater line shows which tier your home is in.
- If your income is under the limit, have your bill, ID and 30 days of income proof ready before you call. You must turn up in person on West Anderson Street.
- If you are behind on your water bill, get on a payment plan first. It is a condition of the program.
- The fee applies to property inside the Savannah city limits, under the ordinance, and the program is open only to City of Savannah residential water customers.
Trash and other city charges are on our trash and recycling page, and property tax dates are on our property taxes page.
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