Before a municipality can provide water bill relief or assistance to residents, it must first understand the extent and nature of water affordability issues within the community. A water affordability analysis helps municipalities dive deep into water billing data to understand affordability issues in a highly localized and actionable context. The studies look at household income levels, water rates, and essential usage needs to determine if costs are burdensome for low‑income or vulnerable populations. This can be an important tool for municipal water utilities by informing rate-setting decisions, long term financial planning, and the development of customer assistance programs.
Ten municipalities in Cook County completed an analysis through the Cook County Water Affordability program. These examples can serve as models for other utilities interested in learning more about how affordability impacts their community and potential solutions.