Survey Shows Divide Between Water Utilities and Consumers

A recently released consumer research survey from Grundfos indicates a divide between concerns held by water utilities over key water-related issues, and a lack of urgency among consumers.

According to the survey, nearly half (49 percent) of respondents believe they’ll never be affected by a water shortage. In contrast, 40 out of 50 water utility managers say they expect a water shortage within the next 10 years, according to a recent study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Other findings include:

• More than 70 percent of water utilities surveyed in 2016 said they are not generating enough revenue to cover costs while also funding infrastructure improvements.
• Despite consuming the most while paying the least water cost per capita in the world, only two percent of consumers felt they should pay more when asked to evaluate their water bill. Additionally, almost half are concerned about rate increases.
• Moreover, while issues in the news like the water quality crisis in Flint, Michigan have raised consumer awareness, more than one-third of those surveyed still said they didn’t know enough about the condition of their local water supply.

In addition to the national findings, reports are available for the following states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington.