Our research shows that between 2010 and 2018, the number of poor Philadelphians living in neighbourhoods where water is unaffordable doubled to 54%. A Philadelphia tiered assistance program called TAP helps to make bills affordbale for people, some of which have thousands of dollars worth of intergenerational water debt, based on their ability to pay, like the energy sector has been doing for years. This improves compliance and living conditions for a large percentage of the city. This article discusses water debt across the country and the responses of the water industry.
Link: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/23/millions-of-americans-cant-afford-water-bills-rise?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1
Workgroup: Engagement & Stewardship, Pathogens and Point Source