Focusing on Affordability

Water is the anchor in a community. It’s time for the water sector to think differently about the people who rely on our service. Being visible in the community and building trust is foundational to gaining support for funding to support affordability.

Last month, water professionals from across the United States came to Louisville to look at how we can all do better. Louisville Water and Louisville MSD hosted a One Water Leadership Institute that focused on affordability issues. A program created by the US Water Alliance, the Institute was held at the ​​​​​​Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, where about two dozen attendees heard from innovators driving a local, state, and federal agenda toward multipronged affordability approaches. The Alliance chose that location because of community partnerships Louisville Water and MSD have with the facility. Inside, you’ll find bottle filling stations branded with Louisville Pure Tap® along with MSD signage to highlight stormwater improvements.

The Alliance notes that “a shift toward understanding water as a common good expands opportunities to address water stresses, challenges, and inequities in ways that can fundamentally transform our water systems and make safe and reliable water service affordable for all.”

During COVID, Louisville Water and MSD reframed our affordability program, branding it Drops of Kindness℠ and adding a variety of options to help someone struggling to pay their water bill.

The Institute also focused on the success of Louisville Water and MSD’s innovative One Water Partnership, and the attendees toured Louisville Water Tower and the WaterWorks Museum.