Evaluating Water Delinquency Fees and Financial Assistance Programs Through an Equity Lens. Issue 8 (4th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thompson, Austin; Hackett, Heidi; Bunds, Kyle
• Is Part Of: Journal ‐ American Water Works Association. Volume 114:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 2022-10-04
• Subjects: Utilities -- Financial Assistance -- Durham -- North Carolina; Water-supply -- United States -- Periodicals; Water-supply engineering -- United States -- Periodicals; 363.61097305
• DOI: 10.1002/awwa.1977
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-150X

Abstract

Key Takeaways: In 2019, the water utility of Durham, N.C., participated in the National League of Cities' initiative, Cities Addressing Fines and Fees Equitably. Through this initiative, the utility identified inequities in the distribution of cutoffs and delinquency fees across its service area. To address these issues, the utility restructured its social support program, eliminated its $50 delinquency fee, and updated its bill language. Utility reforms to address inequities vary across utilities but include programmatic and policy changes.