Deconstructing the conundrum of rising rates and water affordability
AWWA CEO David LaFrance discusses the findings of the association's State of the Water 2025 report, which identifies financial concerns as the top challenge for water utilities. This encompasses rates, funding, and financing, and it moved up from its previous position as the number two concern. The report also highlights financial sustainability (ranked sixth) as a companion challenge, indicating utilities' dual focus on securing capital for projects and ensuring long-term financial viability.
The cost of providing water service has increased faster than inflation, leading to rising rates and affordability issues, which utilities must balance against the need to protect public health and maintain water quality.
(Editor's note: The description for this video was written with the assistance of generative AI.)
About the Author
Bob Crossen
Editorial Director
Bob Crossen is the vice president of content strategy for the Water and Energy Groups of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B. EB2B publishes WaterWorld, Wastewater Digest and Stormwater Solutions in its water portfolio and publishes Oil & Gas Journal, Offshore Magazine, T&D World, EnergyTech and Microgrid Knowledge in its energy portfolio. Crossen graduated from Illinois State University in Dec. 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in German and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. He worked for Campbell Publications, a weekly newspaper company in rural Illinois outside St. Louis for four years as a reporter and regional editor. Crossen can be reached at [email protected].
Mandy Crispin
Mandy Crispin is the editor-in-chief of WaterWorld magazine and co-host of water industry podcast Talking Under Water. She can be reached at [email protected].