FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 7, 2025

CONTACT: Jack Willingham, jack.willingham@cincinnati-oh.gov, 513-833-3155

CINCINNATI – Friday, the Mayor’s office and Greater Cincinnati Water Works have announced a temporary shutoff pause of water bills, for SNAP beneficiaries and furloughed federal workers during the ongoing federal shutdown.

Affected customers should email GCWW at help@mygcww.org with their account information and a photo of their EBT card for SNAP beneficiaries or a copy of an official furlough notice for federal workers.

“The chaos in Washington is causing direct harm to some of our most vulnerable residents. Nobody should have to decide between food for their families or basic utilities,” said Mayor Aftab Pureval. “We’re grateful that our Administration and Water Works were ready to act quickly to provide temporary relief for our neighbors facing this difficult moment.”

Effective Friday, November 7, 2025, the City and GCWW will implement a moratorium on utility disconnections for nonpayment for eligible customers. The moratorium will remain in effect until the federal government shutdown ends. The action is being taken to ensure impacted GCWW customers do not face service interruptions due to unpaid bills during this period.

“I am proud to stand with the Mayor and Greater Cincinnati Waterworks to protect vulnerable Cincinnatians during this period of uncertainty,” said City Manager Sheryl Long. “In times of crisis, our City government goes to work to make sure residents are taken care of.”

"We want to ensure that residents do not lose access to water as a result of the federal shutdown," said Andrea E. Yang, GCWW's Interim Executive Director. "Through no fault of their own, some of our customers are now facing a financial crunch that was unanticipated. Availability of clean water is essential for public health, and we are taking this action to provide some temporary relief until the impasse can be resolved."

The moratorium is available for any SNAP benefit recipients and federal workers who accrue account delinquencies while they are not receiving benefits or salary due to the federal shutdown.

If additional assistance is needed, call our Customer Service team at 513.591.7700

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