Accessible websites and documents for utility districts
Federal accessibility rules now cover everything your district publishes online, from the homepage and payment
links to board minutes and your annual water quality report. We make it accessible, help you keep it that
way, and document the work.
What changed, and why it matters
A 2024 U.S. Department of Justice rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Title II), the
part of the law that covers state and local governments, requires utility districts and other special districts
to make their websites, online documents and mobile apps meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA by April 26, 2028.
WCAG, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, is a technical standard that makes content usable by residents
who are blind, have low vision, are deaf or can't use a mouse. The rule also covers tools you provide through
vendors, such as online bill pay. In the same window, EPA's revised rules for the Consumer Confidence Report
(CCR), your annual water quality report, take effect for reports delivered starting in 2027. The Department of
Justice has said it may revise its rule further, so we keep our
deadlines and requirements page current.
What's at stake
Residents who are shut out. A customer who can't pay a bill online, read a boil-water notice
or follow a board agenda has to call, visit or go without.
Complaints and lawsuits. The Department of Justice enforces the rule, and residents can file
complaints or sue. A written record of what was tested and fixed matters if questions ever come up.
Shortcuts that don't work. Overlay widgets don't make a site conform. Automated checkers
miss many problems that only hands-on testing finds. And a fixed homepage still leaves PDFs, forms and
vendor portals behind.
Accessibility is ongoing. Every new agenda, notice and page can bring problems back. You
need a trusted resource checking regularly so your site stays accessible.
Dates your district is working toward
ADA Title II deadline for larger entities
Public entities serving 50,000 or more people: websites, documents and apps must meet WCAG 2.1 AA.
First revised Consumer Confidence Report due
The first report under EPA's revised rule, with the new summary section up front.
Second report due for larger systems
Systems serving 10,000 or more people deliver a second report, and twice a year after that.
ADA Title II deadline for special districts
Utility districts, other special districts and entities serving under 50,000 people: websites, documents and apps must meet WCAG 2.1 AA.
Dates last reviewed September 26, 2026. The ADA dates are set by the Department of Justice
Interim Final Rule of April 20, 2026, and may change.
Printed bills, notices, the mailed water quality report and public meetings are covered too. We help with alternate formats, accessible designs and accommodation language.
A plain-language guide to the ADA Title II web rule for water and wastewater utility districts, including what it covers, what's exempt, and where to start.
