Water affordability across and within European countries: a microdata analysis

Abstract

We analyze water affordability in 23 European countries using the latest microdata from the European Household Budget Survey.Average affordability ratios vary considerably across countries, from 0.85% (Ireland) to 4.7% (Poland).The prevalence of affordability problems is highest in Poland (60%), while intensity is greatest in Finland (families with problems spend, on average, 9% of their income). The analysis by income deciles shows a gradient, with affordability problems generally concentrated in bottom deciles, though they are not exclusive to the poorest. This variation in affordability problems occurs within countries regardless of their high or low average affordability ratio.