Millions in U.S. face water security crisis, study warns

Millions of Americans face a growing crisis in accessing clean, affordable water, new research warns.

Why it matters

  • Millions of Americans affected by water insecurity.
  • Crisis impacts health, daily life, and dignity.
  • Policies need to treat water as a basic human need.

By the numbers

  • Over 1,000 households surveyed in 15+ at-risk communities.
  • 2,770 Americans involved in the study.
  • New tool HWISE introduced to measure water insecurity.

The big picture

  • Crisis driven by degrading infrastructure, climate change, inadequate policies.
  • Low-income and marginalized communities disproportionately affected.
  • HWISE tool could guide investments and public health strategies.

What they're saying

  • Critics blame corporate influence and political decisions.
  • Concerns about data centers affecting water quality.
  • Calls for sustainable practices to combat crisis.

Caveats

  • Study is ongoing; some findings preliminary.
  • HWISE tool still being evaluated for predictive power.

What’s next

  • Continued evaluation of HWISE tool.
  • Potential policy reforms to address water insecurity.
  • Further research on targeted investments and public health strategies.