Revenue shortfalls at U.S. drinking water utilities from the coronavirus pandemic may reduce economic activity by $32.7 billion and cost 75,000 to 90,000 private sector jobs, according to a new analysis prepared by Raftelis for the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA).
The report estimates drinking water utilities in the United States will see revenues from customer payments drop by nearly $14 billion. The impacts result from the elimination of water shutoffs for nonpayment, increased late payments due to high unemployment, reductions in nonresidential water demands and fewer new customers.“Water utilities are laser-focused on protecting public
