While water is universally recognized as a human right, escalating costs, inadequate federal funding, and systemic inequalities disproportionately burden low-income communities and communities of color. The report highlights how federal disinvestment and privatization of water systems have led to unaffordable water rates and explores the local impacts, including water shutoffs and water debt.

Key findings include:

• Water costs in Buffalo have increased five times since 2006, with average yearly household bills now exceeding $755.
• In 2019, there were 8,490 attempted water shutoffs, with nearly 3,000 successful shutoffs in occupied homes. These disproportionately affected low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.
• While Buffalo has programs to reduce water debt and offer rebates, these efforts fall short of addressing long-term affordability. For example, the City has not fully implemented its promised Water Debt Forgiveness Program. Other cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, and Philadelphia, have implemented income-based water rates to more robustly address affordability.

The report provides ten recommendations to improve water equity, including policy changes that prioritize affordability, transparency, and ending residential shutoffs.

For a full breakdown of findings and actionable solutions, check out the full report.

This report was written by Anna Blatto, Research Associate at Partnership for the Public Good.