Texas A&M Research Unveils Growing Water Crisis in the U.S.
A research team led by Dr. Wendy Jepson, professor of geography at Texas A&M University, has revealed alarming findings regarding water security in the United States. The study indicates that millions are facing a pressing crisis in accessing clean and affordable water. Published in PLOS Water and PLOS One, the research highlights the multifaceted nature of water insecurity as a significant human issue impacting health, daily life, and dignity.
“Our research shows water insecurity in the U.S. is not just a problem of pipes and infrastructure — it’s a human issue that affects health, daily life and dignity,” Jepson stated. She emphasized that even in one of the wealthiest nations, many Americans struggle to obtain safe drinking water, often without public awareness.
A Call for Comprehensive Water Reform
The researchers are urging utility companies, public agencies, and policymakers to acknowledge the widespread nature of this crisis. They advocate for a transformative approach to water management that prioritizes access as a basic human need. The study calls for policies that specifically address the needs of communities disproportionately affected by water insecurity, including low-income households and historically marginalized groups.
The findings outline a “triple threat” that has led the U.S. to what the researchers term “peak water security.” This threat comprises deteriorating infrastructure, accelerating climate change, and inadequate policy responses. The impact of these factors is especially pronounced in communities that experience higher rates of water contamination and service shutoffs.
“We know water insecurity exists in the U.S.,” said Dr. Amber Pearson, co-author and associate professor at Michigan State University. “But we’ve lacked the right tools to measure it.”
Introducing a New Tool for Tracking Water Insecurity
To address this gap, the research team has developed a new measurement tool known as the Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE). Originally designed for lower-income countries, this survey-based tool has been adapted for use in the U.S. context. The researchers gathered data from over 1,000 households across 15 at-risk communities, representing a total of 2,770 Americans.
This innovative tool aims to assess how well it predicts real-world conditions, including reliance on bottled water and stress related to water access. Although the study is ongoing, the researchers believe the insights gained from the HWISE tool will significantly influence targeted infrastructure investments and public health strategies, ultimately assisting in closing the water equity gap.
“This scale will help us understand the real, everyday struggles families face and guide more fair policies and investments,” Pearson noted.
The interdisciplinary nature of this research project involved experts from various institutions, including Texas A&M University (both the College Station and Galveston campuses), Michigan State University, the University of Miami, Arizona State University, San Jose State University, and Portland State University. The project received backing from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and several state water institutes, along with support from Jepson’s Texas A&M Chancellor’s EDGES Fellowship and the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative.
The research underscores an urgent need for reform in water management practices across the United States. As the conversation around water security continues to evolve, this study offers critical insights that could shape future policies and investments aimed at ensuring equitable access to water for all Americans.
