Clean water doesn’t come for free. The largest costs typically revolve around maintenance and repair for infrastructure, as well as necessary expansions to help communities grow. In order to afford these expenditures, rates often must increase – leaving many communities to have to navigate a balance between operation and affordability to customers.

The recent Affordability Policy Statement approved by the AWWA urges the adoption of policies and procedures to help communities navigate rate increases that can be problematic for low-income households.

Read how one community in Oregon successfully addressed affordability concerns, and captured consumer insight to develop their utility programs and address other concerns.