The problem of lack of access to running water in American cities is becoming increasingly pronounced and complex, with the causes lying in a combination of economic instability, social inequality, outdated infrastructure, and climate change. Although the US is often perceived as a developed country with a high standard of living, behind the façade of modern metropolises, there are serious problems affecting the poorest layers of society, especially minority communities. Recent studies reveal alarming data about households living without a fundamental human right – access to safe and potable water.

The Scale of the Problem: Shocking Statistics

According to the latest data, more than 2 million people in the United States live without constant access to running water in their homes. This number covers various scenarios: from households that have been disconnected from the water supply network due to unpaid bills, to those living in improvised housing without water infrastructure. Particularly concerning is the fact that the problem escalated significantly after the 2008 financial crisis and worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current cost of living crisis.

While rural areas have long been synonymous with so-called "water poverty," the situation has drastically changed in recent decades. Urbanization has moved the problem to urban centers, including metropolises such as New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. In some cities, like Houston and Miami, more than 70% of the population without access to water consists of minority communities.

A Combination of Causes: Poverty, Racial Inequality, and Politics

The reasons for the escalation of the lack of access to water are multiple. First, there is economic instability affecting millions of low-income people. Rising living costs, coupled with stagnant wages, result in situations where families have to choose between paying water bills, rent, or food.

The second key factor is racial inequality. African Americans, Latino Americans, and Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by this problem. Historically, these communities have been marginalized and often excluded from urban planning and infrastructure investments. The consequences of these policies are still felt today, as many members of minority communities live in neighborhoods with poor infrastructure or are more prone to frequent disconnections from the network due to unpaid bills.

Housing as a Key Issue

Housing is one of the main causes of "water poverty." After the 2008 crisis, many lost their homes and were forced to live in improvised conditions – abandoned warehouses, garages, and mobile homes that lack adequate water infrastructure. In many cases, landlords ignore the obligation to maintain installations, leaving tenants without functional water connections.

Moreover, in cities like Detroit and Baltimore, thousands of households have experienced disconnections due to unpaid bills. The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that many households are unable to pay even subsidized bills due to high living costs.

Health Consequences of Lack of Water

Living without access to running water has serious health consequences. Without the ability to maintain basic hygiene, families are exposed to an increased risk of infectious diseases such as hepatitis A and bacterial infections. Children are particularly vulnerable, and the lack of hygiene conditions can negatively affect their schooling and socialization.

In addition to health problems, the lack of water also affects mental health. Constant insecurity and worry about basic living conditions create immense stress, which can lead to depression and anxiety in the long run.

Initiatives and Solutions

Despite the seriousness of the problem, some cities and organizations are working to address this crisis. In San Francisco, for example, local authorities are implementing financial aid programs for low-income households to prevent water disconnections. At the same time, non-governmental organizations are implementing innovative solutions such as hydropanels that collect moisture from the air and convert it into drinking water.

However, experts warn that these solutions are only temporary and that a comprehensive approach is needed, including reforms in housing policy, investment in infrastructure modernization, and stricter regulations for landlords who fail to maintain their properties.

What Does the Future Hold?

The future of solving the problem of lack of access to water in the US depends on political will, strategic planning, and investments. Without serious reforms, the situation could worsen, especially in light of climate change that threatens to reduce the availability of drinking water.

The right to water is not a luxury, but a fundamental human right. Governments, local authorities, and society as a whole must recognize the urgency of the problem and take steps to ensure that every resident, regardless of race, economic status, or location, has access to clean and safe drinking water.