Water pricing and affordability in the US: public vs. private ownership

Abstract We examined the 500 largest community water systems in US to explore whether ownership is related annual bills, and percent of income that low-income households spend on water. Regression results show that, among systems, private higher prices less affordability for families. In states with regulations favorable providers, utilities charge even prices. Affordability issues are more severe communities poverty older infrastructure. Water policy needs address regulation new mechanisms ensure residents.