New Analysis: Half of America Suddenly Vulnerable to Water Shutoffs
08.25.20
Washington, D.C. – New polling released today by Climate Nexus and Yale and George Mason Universities found that 63 percent of voters support a nationwide pause on water shutoffs to homes and businesses that are behind on water bill payments during the pandemic. Meanwhile, new analysis from the national advocacy group Food & Water Action indicates:
- As of Aug. 14, at least 115 state and local moratoria on household water shutoffs enacted during the pandemic have expired, affecting 46 million people;
- 629 state and local moratoria remain in effect, protecting 167 million people, or approximately 51 percent of the population. About half of all Americans are currently vulnerable to water shutoffs.
In response, Food & Water Action’s Water Campaign Director Mary Grant issued the following statement:
“It comes as no surprise that a large majority of Americans believe halting water shutoffs must be a priority in the midst of this pandemic. After all, we’ve been told for months that the key to staying healthy is washing our hands frequently. How can families wash their hands with no water? About half of all Americans are currently vulnerable to water shutoffs at this moment. Congress needs to do its job, get back to work and tackle this looming disaster by passing a national halt to water shutoffs – now.”
Contact: Seth Gladstone - sgladstone[at]fwwatch[dot]org, 917.363.6615
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