Legislation to improve water bill collections and institute a new program to protect low-income water customers unanimously passed City Council on Thursday.

The legislation would establish an Income-Based Water Revenue Assistance Program (IWRAP), to ensure low-income residents water bills are affordable in relation to their income. It would also encourage increased collections and water conservation measures.

It would also require the Water Revenue Bureau to offer income-based payment plans to low-income residential customers and others who can demonstrate a financial hardship. Customers would have to provide proof of income during a streamlined and transparent application process. It is modeled off of successful low-income assistance programs at other utilities, including the Philadelphia Gas Works and PECO.

The bill, sponsored by Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, is now on its way to Mayor Michael Nutter for signature.