KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Water Department officials announced they have set up a fund to help some water customers pay water and sewer bills.

The city is directing those that need assistance in paying their water or sewer bill to dial the United Way assistance program by dialing 211.

"This assistance program has been a goal of the City and the Water Services Department and we are very glad to be able to provide help to Kansas City residents," Bernardo Garcia, Water Services Department director, said.

The funding is expected to help residents through April 2010. Kansas City officials said the the project is successful, the department could expand the program into the next fiscal year.