Honors Theses

College

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

College

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

Department

Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering

Department

Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major

Chemical Engineering

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Abstract

This thesis examines disparities in water affordability in Alabama by exploring the relationship between water expenditure and other variables based on a quantitative analysis of a four-year water provider-level, panel data set. I utilize ordinary least squares to answer the following research question: "After controlling for income, what variables affect water expenditure in Alabama, and particularly, what impact does race have on water affordability and expenditure in Alabama?" This analysis is motivated by the on-going water and sewer affordability crisis that currently affects nonwhite households in the broader United States. Given that there are very few policies addressing water affordability, possible affordability disparities mean that households, particularly those in majority-nonwhite communities, are at risk of losing access to water. Based on my analysis, I find that counties with high Latinx population tend to also have households that face high water expenditure. Furthermore, I also find that rural counties and counties with a high number of Safe Drinking Water Act violations face high water expenditures.

Publication Date

5-1-2022

First Advisor

Interis, Matthew

Second Advisor

Barefield, Alan

Third Advisor

Hoffman, David

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