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Water systems in California: Ownership, geography, and affordability

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  • Onda, Kyle S.
  • Tewari, Meenu

Abstract

This study asks whether different types of water systems serve different types of communities and differ with respect to affordability. Using 2017 data for California we match service area boundaries with census income data and rate structures to compare the geography, income distribution and affordability of water rates within communities served by systems of different ownership types. We find that for-profit and publicly owned systems serve communities of similar income distributions, while not-for-profit mutual water companies serve higher-income communities. Regulated privately-owned systems charge more for water while providing more low-income assistance and shutting off fewer households than publicly owned systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Onda, Kyle S. & Tewari, Meenu, 2021. "Water systems in California: Ownership, geography, and affordability," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:72:y:2021:i:c:s0957178721001132
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2021.101279
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Pierce, Gregory & McBride, Justin & Adams, Jacqueline, 2022. "Subsidized or subsidizing? Municipal drinking water service funds in California," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    2. Martins, Rita & Quintal, Carlota & Teotónio, Carla & Antunes, Micaela, 2023. "Water affordability across and within European countries: a microdata analysis," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    3. Sarkar, Sampriti & Lupi, Frank, 2023. "Household water rate affordability by income levels and population trends," 2023 Annual Meeting, July 23-25, Washington D.C. 335903, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

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