Gwinnett County, Habitat for Humanity partner to provide home plumbing repairs

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County’s  Department of Water Resources has partnered with Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity to provide plumbing and septic repair assistance to Gwinnett residents through the Water Resources Assistance Program(WRAP).

Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds were awarded to Gwinnett County in the amount of $4 million for home plumbing repairs and septic system conversions and repairs. The County has allocated up to $1 million to Habitat for Humanity in 2022 in partnership with WRAP. Future funds will be allocated to the program on an annual basis. Qualified Gwinnett residents can apply for home plumbing repairs associated with damage caused by leaks, retrofitting of toilets, faucets, and showerheads, and repair or replacement of failing septic systems.

The Environmental Protection Agency notes that the average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons annually, from household leaks. Additionally, installing water-efficient fixtures can cut water use by at least 20 percent. A failing septic system could also cost a homeowner thousands of dollars in repairs or replacement and can lead to environmental issues.

“We are so excited about the WRAP program and the number of households we will be able to help with this program funding,” said Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Brent Bohanan. “We have been searching for ways to increase the number of families we can serve in Gwinnett County with home repairs. This program will allow us to increase our impact by 400% over the next five years. It will also allow us to provide much needed plumbing repairs for those in need in our community.”

To qualify, household income cannot exceed 60% of Area Median Income annually, based on family size. The applicant must also own and reside in the home where services are needed.

Residents can get more information and find out if they qualify by visiting GCGA.us/WRAP.