Report Brief: Much More Than a Drop in the Bucket

This is a report brief – to read the full report, visit ElevateNP.org/Publications/More-Than-A-Drop.

As the cost of water service rises nationally, it is imperative that decision-makers understand the scale and scope of water affordability challenges for residents and municipal drinking water utilities, including the impacts of water debt and shutoffs.

This report is a synthesis of Elevate and other water advocates’ work to understand the scale and scope of water affordability challenges for residents and municipal drinking water utilities, with a specific focus on water debt and shutoffs. We explore these issues through:

1. An analysis of existing quantitative data on water debt and shutoffs, including Elevate and its partners’ analyses of municipal billing data.
2. A synthesis of interviews, media stories, and stories shared during Elevate’s water reconnection work, highlighting the lived experience of debt and shutoffs, both for residents and utilities.

Water Affordability Best Practices

• Tailor solutions to the local context
• Develop a strong sense of mission, leadership, and accountability
• Modernize operations and data management systems
• Broaden customer service and outreach approaches
• Offer flexible payment plans and expand affordability programs
• Offer proactive programs that forgive debt and reduce bills
• Offer assistance for residents who experience large plumbing leaks
• Stop the practice of water shutoffs

Innovative Funding, Financing, and Efficiency Strategies

• Prioritize federal dollars for capital improvement projects that will improve water infrastructure
• Explore how water rates, fees, and taxes impact affordability challenges in the municipality
• Invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy management projects to generate additional operational savings and revenue

State and Federal Policy Needs

• Establish a permanent LIHWAP program at the federal level
• Establish a statewide Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
• Create a statewide resource that aims to stabilize utility revenue
• Ban water shutoffs and other punitive measures aimed at those unable to pay their water bills
• Establish statewide data transparency laws requiring public utilities to uniformly publish information on water rates, fees, debt, and affordability programs

Learn More

This report builds on previous work related to water burden in northeastern Illinois alongside partners at Metropolitan Planning Council and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. Learn more about this work at ElevateNP.org/Water-Affordability.