The EPA’s report highlights the water affordability crisis, with 1 in 7 households struggling to pay their water bills as federal action is called for.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveals that 19.2 million U.S. households, or about one in seven, face unaffordable water bills. The findings spotlight a growing crisis impacting millions of families, as rising water costs leave many choosing between basic needs and keeping their water on.
“It’s unacceptable that anyone in this country has to face the impossible decision between paying their water bill and paying for food, medicine, or living in fear of having their water shut off,” said Yasmin Zaerpoor, Director of Water Equity and Climate Resilience at PolicyLink. “Water is a human right and should be safe and affordable for all—regardless of race, income, or where they live.”
The Rising Problem of Unaffordable Water Bills
The EPA defines water bills as unaffordable if they exceed 4.5% of household income, but in some cases, families spend as much as 10% of their monthly income on water.
The report estimates that closing the affordability gap would require $8.8 billion annually in federal funding to support low-income households. While the EPA assessment sheds light on the scale of the problem, additional research suggests the need for even greater investment.
Federal Assistance for Families in Crisis
Unlike electricity and broadband utilities, which have federal low-income assistance programs, water utilities lack a universal support system for struggling families.
“With some families paying up to 10% of their monthly income on their water bill, it is clear we need leadership at the federal level to deliver much-needed relief,” said Susana De Anda, Executive Director of the Community Water Center.
The EPA report recommends the creation of a federal low-income water bill assistance program, alongside technical assistance and increased funding for water utilities in economically disadvantaged communities.
Michigan Communities Feel the Impact
The water affordability crisis is particularly acute in states like Michigan, where low-income and historically disinvested communities are disproportionately affected. Cities such as Flint and Detroit have faced significant challenges with water access, highlighting systemic inequities.
“In Michigan, we see every day how the water affordability crisis disproportionately impacts low-income and historically disinvested communities,” said Monica Lewis-Patrick, CEO of We the People of Detroit. “We hope the EPA water affordability report spurs action, both in establishing a permanent water bill assistance program and in supporting water systems with the funding they need.”
Legislative Action on the Horizon
To address the crisis, lawmakers have introduced two significant pieces of legislation: the H2O UP Act of 2024 and the AQUA Act of 2024. These bills aim to:
- Establish permanent federal water assistance programs for low-income households.
- Provide funding to improve water infrastructure in rural and low-income areas.
- Offer technical support for utilities to maintain affordable and safe water services.
“These legislative efforts align with the recommendations in the EPA report,” said Zaerpoor. “We must act now to invest in our water systems and ensure that all Americans have access to affordable water.”
A Call for Immediate Action
The EPA’s findings stress the urgency of addressing unaffordable water bills, which place a heavy burden on millions of families. Without intervention, the crisis threatens to deepen, leaving vulnerable households with difficult choices.
“This EPA assessment shows that we can solve the U.S. water affordability crisis by increasing our investment in the nation’s water infrastructure and providing targeted funding for communities in need,” Zaerpoor said. “The need is clear. We cannot delay action to make safe, affordable water a reality for all.”
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