News

Affordable water may soon dry up, especially if you live here

Remember this number: $120. It’s the average monthly water bill in America.

Researchers at Michigan State University predict this figure will rise by $49 over the next five years. And if it does, water may become unaffordable for one-third of American households, according to a study, published recently in PLOS ONE, that maps the U.S. areas due to be hit hardest based on local incomes.

"The project deals with looking at the economic impacts of rising water prices on both households and regional economies," said Elizabeth Mack, an MSU geographer who led the work. When she first pitched the research idea to her colleagues, some scoffed. While water unaffordability is common overseas, Mack said, most assume Americans have the resources and the willingness to do whatever it takes to pay for water.

BY NSIKAN AKPAN

Full Story: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/affordable-water-may-soon-dry-especially-live/

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.