Key Takeaways
Historically narrow definitions of water service as provision of a metered commodity do not encompass the extent to which all people benefit from access to safe, reliable water. A more expansive definition of water service is warranted.
Water utilities are major economic actors and can—and should—play a role in making water universally accessible and affordable in their communities.
The industry's existing cost‐of‐service analysis methods for rate‐setting may be tailored to better advance water affordability and equity.
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