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The impact of utility rates on community members is a challenge that water and wastewater utilities across the nation face. It is especially challenging for small systems. These resources can help communities consider the financial challenges that community members and utility face.

 

Affordability Tools and Research

Water Affordability Self-Assessment Tool (WASA)

The , developed by the , is a web-based tool to assess whether their rates are affordable according to several different measures, including median household income, cost of service for those in the lowest 20% of income, and the number of hours at minimum wage needed to pay the bill.

Affordability Assessment Tool

The developed by the contains a series of dashboards which allow users to enter relevant Census data on their service community to help assess the affordability of the water and/or wastewater rates.

The Institute of Public Utilities (IPU)

supports informed, effective, and efficient regulation of the infrastructure-intensive network industries providing essential services, such as electricity and water. They have many resources dedicated to .

Affordability Assessment Tool for Federal Water Mandates

examines the strains that increased utility rates have on communities as well as the utility鈥檚 need to continue to operate within regulations. This document assesses EPA鈥檚 affordability criteria which could provide a mechanism for utilities to ease the strain on community members.

Public Policy Institute of California Water Policy Center

spurs innovative water management solutions that support a healthy economy, environment, and society鈥攏ow and for future generations.

Dr. Manny Teodoro

is an associate professor for the University of Wisconsin whose research examines public policy and management with a focus on utility management. His work examines , , , and more intersectional issues.

Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center

The provides financing information to help communities make informed decisions for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater investments.

Water Affordability Dashboard

Duke University Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions 鈥 provides users with the opportunity to explore water services to learn about the effect of rates on households and other .

Economic Policy Family Budget Calculator

The measures the income a family needs to attain a modest and adequate standard of living.

Equity Tools and Research

SPENT

is a simulation program that was launched in February 2011 as a collaboration between McKinney and Urban Ministries of Durham. The program provides insight into strains that low-income families may experience.

US Water Alliance

The has resources to help communities understand the importance of equitable investment in water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. The US Water Alliance also hosts the which seeks to join together stakeholders to advance equitable water management.

EJ Screen

is an environmental justice screening and mapping tool that can assist users with identifying environmental and demographic indicators.

Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool

helps users identify disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, or overburdened by environmental issues.

 

Utility Rate Tools

Water Rates Dashboard

The shows water rates data from 30 major US cities to show average monthly residential utility prices. Other data, including information about rate formulas and other funding sources are available.

Low Income Home Water Assistance Program

The provides funding to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills.

Community Sustainability Tool

The Community Sustainability Tool is a tool for communities to assess if their current utility rates could support financing water and/or wastewater infrastructure investments.

Water Rate Checkup Tool

The is an online tool that assists Kansas public drinking water systems with calculating rates for utility service.