Impacts of Regulated Water Service Extension on Water Quality, Perception, and Affordability in Orleans, NY

Abstract

There are increasing advocacy and policy efforts to consolidate private wells and other small systems into larger regulated systems to address water quality-related public health and climate resilience challenges. However, little is known about how trade-offs between water quality and affordability implications of these consolidation efforts are experienced and perceived by residents. Here, we analyzed changes in water quality, affordability, and perception associated with a groundwater contamination-motivated transition from private well to regulated municipal water. We conducted water quality samplings and household surveys pre- and post-municipal service extension in the Town of Orleans, NY. Our findings illustrate that water quality improved due the connection to municipal service, resulting in increased consumption of tap water, improved perception of water quality and reliability, and decreased use of household treatment, but with a much higher monthly expenditure. Residents reported general satisfaction with their new municipal water service; however, the cost of service was more than expected, and some were dissatisfied with the taste of chlorine in the municipal supply. Despite the positive public health implications, it is important to consider the trade-offs in regulated water transitions and the perceptions of residents to foster successful, sustainable solutions.