Millions of Americans lack safe, affordable drinking water.
But more water agencies are developing equitable and inclusive approaches to water management, says the U.S. Water Alliance’s Radhika Fox.
But access to safe, reliable and affordable water is unequally distributed across the country.
Other people live in more urban areas with a water service, but may be living with unsafe drinking water, so they opt for bottled water, which takes time out of their day and money out of their budget.
Communities most likely to experience water-related challenges tend already to be vulnerable and to face other economic and environmental burdens.
The paper found that there are many promising practices being developed around the country, from water affordability policies to inclusive workforce development programs to community climate planning.
Second, the Alliance just released an online clearinghouse that includes case studies of more than 150 equity-focused water projects for users to explore.
In California’s Central Valley, the Community Water Center works with communities to advocate for safe drinking water.
Seeing communities struggle to go even a day without safe, reliable drinking water is unacceptable.
We need to come together and learn from the great work that so many communities are already doing so we can build stronger, reliable, affordable and accessible water systems for all.