Brookings Article on Water Affordability
On February 27, Brookings published a research article entitled, “Millions of Americans lack affordable water access. Here’s how local utilities can help.” The article provides an analysis of water affordability challenges across the U.S., along with potential solutions. The article discusses the impact of the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and the need for continued action. The strategies outlined in the article for continued action include:
- Identifying funding sources beyond federal programs
- Testing utility low-income customer assistance programs
- Driving more collaborative regional planning
- Using tools and expanding technical assistance
- Reauthorizing the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)with funding for disadvantaged communities
The article also suggests that Congress could pilot a permanent federal water assistance initiative and that coordinated state and local leadership are necessary to help address the nation’s water utility’s affordability challenges.
