Wells Are Running Dry in Rural Communities of Color. Is a Fix in Sight? | The Daily Yonder

Access to Safe Drinking Water in Rural Communities of Color

Introduction

Access to safe drinking water is a pressing issue in many rural communities across the United States. One such community is Sultana, located in California’s Central Valley, where contaminated wells have left residents with limited access to clean water. This article explores the challenges faced by communities of color, particularly Hispanic communities like Sultana, in accessing safe drinking water. It also highlights the role of the Farm Bill in addressing these disparities and calls for increased investments in water infrastructure.

The Impact of Contaminated Wells

Sultana, a town of approximately 785 people, has been severely affected by contaminated wells resulting from agricultural runoff. Only one well in the town meets state standards for safe drinking water, leaving residents with limited options. Michael Prado, president of the Sultana Community Services District, expresses concerns about the town’s reliance on a single well and the potential consequences if it fails. The need for a new well is urgent to ensure access to clean water for all residents.

Racial Disparities in Access to Safe Drinking Water

The lack of access to safe drinking water disproportionately affects rural communities of color, including Sultana. These communities often spend a significant portion of their monthly income on water and face systemic underfunding of water infrastructure. A recent report from the Community Water Center highlights the racialized disparities in access to safe drinking water and wastewater services, attributing them to decades of disinvestment. In California alone, 300 towns do not provide safe drinking water to residents.

The Role of the Farm Bill

Advocates argue that the Farm Bill, a significant piece of legislation that determines federal funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), presents an opportunity to address the water infrastructure needs of communities of color. Susana de Anda, executive director of the Community Water Center, emphasizes the need for increased investments, particularly grants, in rural Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. The legislation should also prioritize an annual audit of the USDA’s water infrastructure funding and foster stronger relationships with community-based organizations to ensure marginalized populations have a voice in the planning process.

Historic Neglect and Municipal Underbounding

The racial and rural water gap has deep roots in historic neglect. Many rural communities of color, including Sultana, were excluded from being annexed into cities, resulting in a lack of municipal services such as electricity and running water. This phenomenon, known as “municipal underbounding,” has left these communities unincorporated and without essential public services. Weak water infrastructure forces residents to rely on private wells or bottled water, exacerbating the financial burden on low-income households.

Contaminants in Agricultural Communities

In agricultural communities like Sultana, access to water is not only limited but also often contaminated with nitrates, arsenic, and pesticides. These contaminants pose significant health risks, including cancer and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Treating the water adds additional financial strain to residents, as reported by the Environmental Working Group. Federal funds can alleviate this burden, but communities need assistance in navigating the complex application process and accessing available resources.

Success Stories and the Need for Continued Efforts

Despite the challenges, success stories demonstrate the positive impact of federal assistance. In neighboring Monson, federal funding helped drill a new community well, providing safe water to over 200 homes. Sultana is also set to receive a new well after years of advocacy and efforts. However, access to clean water should not be a constant struggle for communities. There is a need for increased outreach, technical assistance, and intentional funding to address the water infrastructure needs of rural communities of color.

Conclusion

The lack of access to safe drinking water in rural communities of color is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, emphasize the importance of ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water. The Farm Bill presents an opportunity to address these disparities and invest in water infrastructure for marginalized communities. By prioritizing grants, conducting regular audits, and fostering community engagement, the federal government can make significant progress towards achieving SDG 6 and ensuring equitable access to clean water for all.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses the lack of access to safe drinking water in rural communities of color, which is directly related to SDG 6. It also highlights the disproportionate impact on these communities, addressing SDG 10. The issue of underfunding and neglect of water infrastructure in these communities connects to SDG 11. Finally, the article emphasizes the need for partnerships and collaboration to address these challenges, aligning with SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
• Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• 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.
• Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

Based on the article’s content, the targets identified are directly related to the SDGs mentioned. These targets aim to achieve universal access to safe drinking water (Target 6.1), improve water quality (Target 6.3), promote social and economic inclusion (Target 10.2), enhance sustainable urbanization (Target 11.3), and encourage effective partnerships (Target 17.17).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
• Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, disaggregated by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate.
• Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but based on the identified targets, the indicators mentioned above can be used to measure progress towards achieving those targets. These indicators measure the proportion of the population using safely managed drinking water services (Indicator 6.1.1), the proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality (Indicator 6.3.2), the proportion of people living below a certain income threshold (Indicator 10.2.1), the ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate (Indicator 11.3.1), and the amount of financial commitments to partnerships (Indicator 17.17.1).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: dailyyonder.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.