AWWA JAW61322

Data from the long form of the 2000 US Censuswas analyzed to create a profile of the cost of waterand wastewater service in the United States. Using thePublic Use Microdata Sample data set, the authordetermined how water and wastewater cost was influencedby such factors as size of household, age of people,income, tenure, type of housing unit, and size ofhousing unit.Results indicated that 62% of households paiddirectly for water and wastewater service, whereas18% had the cost included in a rental payment ormaintenance fee. The average US household served by apublic water and wastewater system paid $476 in 1999for the service, which represented 1.6% of the household'sincome. Among the more surprising findings wasthat some groups thought to have little direct responsibilityfor paying for water and wastewater service did,in fact, pay bills directly. Almost 50% of low-incomehouseholds (i.e., earning less than $20,000 per year)paid directly for water and wastewater service, as did49% of one-person households and 47% of mobilehome residents.Perhaps of most interest to utility managers is thecomprehensive nationwide and state-by-state perspectiveon water and wastewater expenses of varioustypes of households. This information furthers anunderstanding of who pays for water and wastewaterservice, how much they pay, and what percentage ofincome is being spent. Such data should prove valuableto policymakers and utility managers in evaluatingthe level and affordability of water and wastewaterrates. Includes 9 references, tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. 97 - No. 4

Published:

04/01/2005

Number of Pages:

12

File Size:

1 file , 640 KB