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, 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.

Dates your district is working toward

  1. 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.

  2. First revised Consumer Confidence Report due

    The first report under EPA's revised rule, with the new summary section up front.

  3. Second report due for larger systems

    Systems serving 10,000 or more people deliver a second report, and twice a year after that.

  4. 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.

What we do

  • Website audit and remediation

    We test your website with automated tools and by hand, give you a prioritized report, and then fix the site itself.

  • Accessible documents

    We inventory every PDF on your site, decide what to archive, convert or fix, and give your staff templates so new documents start out accessible.

  • Online forms and payment vendors

    We make your online forms usable by everyone and review the billing portals and other tools your vendors provide.

  • Consumer Confidence Report design

    A clear, readable water quality report built to EPA's revised rule, with versions for your website, mail and bill inserts.

  • Ongoing accessibility care

    Monthly scans, fixes for new PDFs, checks after site updates, and a written monthly log of your district's accessibility work.

  • Beyond the website

    Printed bills, notices, the mailed water quality report and public meetings are covered too. We help with alternate formats, accessible designs and accommodation language.