(a) It is the intent of the General Assembly that homeowners have access to programs to assist them in meeting their payment obligations for water and sewer services.

(b) A political subdivision, a sanitary commission, or an authority providing services under this title may develop and implement service affordability programs to assist homeowners having difficulty making payments for water and sewer services, including:

(1) Payment plans; and

(2) Round up programs in which ratepayers may donate to a fund to be used to provide payment assistance to homeowners.