As water rates climb, many are struggling to pay for an essential service
As water rates soar, legislators seek funding for assistance Los Angeles Times
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Rising Household Water Rates and the Need for a Water Assistance Program
In California and across the country, household water rates have been rising as utilities invest to upgrade aging infrastructure, secure future supplies, and meet treatment standards for clean drinking water. As monthly water bills continue to increase, growing numbers of customers have been struggling to pay.
Introducing a Water Assistance Program
New federal legislation, introduced by Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla, aims to establish a water assistance program to help low-income families pay their bills and prevent shutoffs of water service. The bill would make permanent a federal program that Congress authorized in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided more than $1 billion in assistance but is set to expire.
The Importance of Access to Clean Water
Sen. Padilla emphasizes that access to clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental right and should not be denied based on income. The proposed program, known as the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), has already proven successful in preventing disconnections of water service, restoring service after shutoffs, and helping those who struggle to afford their water bills.
Support from Water Suppliers
The bill has received support from organizations representing water suppliers, who believe it is an important step towards permanently enshrining low-income water and wastewater ratepayer aid in the federal safety net. These organizations include the American Water Works Association and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies.
Establishing the Program
The proposed bill would establish the LIHWAP program by providing grants to states and tribal governments. These funds would be distributed to operators of water systems to assist low-income households in paying arrearages and other rates. The program would be administered by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and would also provide grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations to assist water system operators in accessing funds.
The Need for Water Rate Assistance
Communities across the country face the need to invest heavily in upgrading water systems to address aging infrastructure, the effects of climate change, and the protection of drinking water from contaminants. Without continued support from the federal program, water rate assistance will no longer be part of the federal safety net, putting hundreds of thousands of households at risk of losing their water service.
The Impact of Rising Water Costs
Surveys have shown that water and sewer charges have been increasing faster than inflation, with some areas experiencing a 25% increase in average monthly bills for a typical four-person household since 2017. In California, where water bills tend to be higher than in many other states, the average monthly bill for a household using a typical amount of water was $65.85.
Aligning with Existing Assistance Programs
Sen. Padilla highlights that the federal government already has the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides assistance for home heating bills. The proposed water program would align income eligibility with this and other existing programs to ensure comprehensive support for low-income families.
Addressing Affordability and Investing in Water Systems
While the proposed program is a step in the right direction, experts emphasize the need for a holistic approach to address water affordability. This includes addressing rate structures, promoting water conservation, and providing recurring bill assistance. Additionally, investments are needed to upgrade water systems and make them more resilient in the face of climate change and stricter treatment standards.
The Impact of Climate Change on Water Costs
Climate change is expected to exacerbate the problem of rising water costs, particularly for frontline communities. Droughts intensified by climate change can lead to increased costs as utilities need to secure more expensive water supplies, pump water from deeper underground, or implement additional treatment processes.
The Importance of Water Affordability
Water affordability has increasingly been recognized as a problem in California, with efforts made to provide relief and expand shutoff protections for those unable to pay their water bills. However, a permanent and comprehensive program is needed to ensure that water costs are affordable for all households.
Expanding the Water Assistance Program
The new federal legislation has been endorsed by the Visalia-based Community Water Center, who hope to see the program expanded while federal officials develop a permanent low-income water affordability program. The legislation addresses immediate crisis assistance but also highlights the need for long-term solutions to prevent households from falling into debt due to high water costs.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- SDG 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 6.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
- Indicator for SDG 1.2: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line.
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | Indicator: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services. |
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions. | Indicator: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Indicator: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income. |
Note: The specific indicators mentioned in the article are implied based on the issues discussed and may not be explicitly stated.
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Source: latimes.com
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