Millions of Americans Can’t Afford Running Water Because of Utility Cost Hikes: Investigation

Utility companies continue to increase customer bills in order to cover various costs.

The scandal of millions of Americans deprived of running water

Guardian US environmental justice reporter Nina Lakhani reports on her landmark investigation into America’s water crisis, revealing that millions of Americans are facing unaffordable bills for running water and risk being disconnected or losing their homes.

Presented by Anushka Asthana with Nina Lakhani, produced by Rose de Larrabeiti , Courtney Yusuf and Axel Kacoutié; executive producers Nicole Jackson and Phil Maynard

Guardian US environmental justice reporter Nina Lakhani tells Anushka Asthana about her water crisis investigation, which looked into why running water is becoming unaffordable for millions of Americans across the US. Water bills weigh heavily on many Americans as utilities hike prices to pay for environmental clean-ups, infrastructure upgrades and climate emergency defences to deal with floods and droughts. Federal funding for America’s ageing water system has plummeted, and as a result a growing number of households are unable to afford to pay their bills.

Albert Pickett inherited water debts from his mother after she died. Pickett applied to get on to a repayment plan, but the water department refused as he didn’t have the money, several hundred dollars, required as a deposit. Cleveland Water didn’t inform Pickett, who survives on disability benefits, about his right to appeal – instead, they turned off the taps in 2013. “Without water you can’t do anything. I lost my family, my wellbeing, my self-esteem. It was humiliating, like I was less than human,” he says.

Listen to the full podcast report here

“Infrastructure upgrades” often means the installation and/or replacement of utility “Smart” Meters, “Smart” Grids, and other “Smart” technology. Tens of millions of “Smart” water, gas, and electric utility meters have been installed worldwide so they are likely already installed on your home and throughout your community. Most (if not all) of their costs have been and continue to be passed onto customers. A documentary was produced about them in 2013 and then re-released with updates in 2017.

“Smart” Meters are EXPENSIVE (see 1, 2), problematic, and unpopular everywhere (see 1, 2). Problems include fires and explosions (see 1, 2. 3. 4)! Regardless, utility companies continue installing more. It’s all about data collection.

“Smart” Meters emit Electromagnetic Radiation (aka “Electrosmog”) which can make people and animals sick (see 1, 2, 3, 4). People worldwide have taken action against utility companies because of these meters (see 1, 2, 3. 4). In 2015, The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) wrote a resolution requesting a nationwide installation moratorium because of health risks associated with them. It includes a no-cost opt out program.

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Activist Post reports regularly about issues associated with utility “Smart” Meters and other “Smart” technology. For more information, visit our archives and the following websites:

Image: Pixabay

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