It’s time to redesign water systems in the United States to meet the needs of all people and communities—not just the privileged. Our present water system structure leaves many, particularly poor people, at risk of significant health and safety dangers. Today, amid a public health emergency, millions of U.S. residents do not have clean water, and race is the strongest predictor of whether someone has running water at home.

According to DigDeep and the US Water Alliance, people of color lack access to safe and affordable drinking water at much higher rates than white people. They also are most likely to be impacted by floods and droughts, which can disrupt water systems.

The crisis facing U.S. water infrastructure is of our own making. Federal funding for water infrastructure has plummeted since the 1970s and now accounts for just 4% of all water-related capital investment. The majority of water infrastructure funding currently comes from local water rates and state funding, which often reinforces underinvestment in poor communities.

Philanthropic organizations also can and should do more to help ensure all U.S. residents have access to safe, affordable water. Foundations engaged in water equity work are on this journey together, though some are at different stages. To help forge a path, our foundations recently joined with more than 240 community groups, utilities, cities, and other organizations in supporting four core principles to guide the reimagining and rebuilding of our nation’s water systems—and rate structures—so that all families have what they need to be healthy and live with dignity.

As freshwater funders, we offer these recommendations as an invitation for collaboration with other funders who believe all people deserve clean water.

  • Support Community Power 
  • Fill Water Data Gaps
  • Provide More Resources to Water Systems 
  • Expand and Rethink Water Infrastructure

Read the full article about funders can support clean and reliable water by Randall Kempner at The Mitchell Foundation.