In an emerging discourse that challenges the conventional narratives surrounding water security, researchers at Arizona State University are spearheading a critical examination of household water insecurity within the United States. This initiative is highlighted by an upcoming panel discussion at the prestigious 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), hosted in Phoenix. The panel, titled “Beyond the Tap: Water Insecurity in the United States,” promises to shed illuminating insights on an issue often overlooked in affluent societies yet progressively pervasive and pernicious.
Leading this scholarly inquiry, Patrick Thomson, a research scientist affiliated with ASU’s Arizona Water for All project, alongside moderator Alexandra Brewis, Regents and President’s Professor at ASU’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change, will navigate through a complex landscape where the often invisible crisis of water insecurity is gaining clarity. Their dialogue will transcend traditional definitions of water access, emphasizing not only physical availability but also affordability, quality, reliability, and the social trust essential for water systems to function effectively.
Water insecurity in high-income countries such as the U.S. is increasingly recognized as a multidimensional challenge. Factors including aging infrastructure, chronic maintenance deficits, and institutional inertia have converged to undermine the resilience of water supply systems. This fragility is starkly exposed during extreme weather events, such as the devastating Los Angeles wildfires and the recent Eastern Freeze, which disrupt water services and exacerbate vulnerabilities, especially in marginalized communities.
The discourse will pay particular attention to rural areas along the southern border, the Appalachian region, and tribal lands, where water provisioning often depends on decentralized and unregulated sources, including private wells and water delivered by truck. These conditions not only elevate risks of contamination and service interruptions but also complicate monitoring and regulatory oversight, further deepening household water insecurity.
National data reveal a troubling upward trend in water quality violations across the country. Concurrently, emergent research uncovers alarming levels of ‘plumbing poverty’ within urban environments, a term denoting households deficient in complete plumbing facilities. This phenomenon is intricately linked to socioeconomic disparities, manifesting in compromised hygiene and heightened susceptibility to waterborne diseases, thereby representing a formidable public health challenge.
A particularly insidious consequence of water insecurity is the growing mistrust in public water providers, this propels households towards alternative water sources such as bottled water. While seemingly a mitigation strategy, this shift amplifies inequities; bottled water is substantially more expensive and often lacks the rigorous oversight afforded to municipal water supplies. The resultant financial burden and health risks deepen existing socio-economic divides.
Thomson articulates the complexity of this crisis, noting that assessments based solely on coverage statistics or cost structures inadequately capture the lived experiences of those grappling with water insecurity. He advocates for the development of nuanced, nationally comparable metrics that integrate qualitative dimensions, including cultural trust and psychological well-being, essential for effective policy formulation and intervention design.
The panel will also feature presentations from distinguished academics who contribute robust empirical and conceptual frameworks to this discourse. Wendy Jepson, a University Professor at Texas A&M University, will elucidate national patterns and spatial disparities in water insecurity, providing a comprehensive mapping of affected populations. Her work underscores the heterogeneity of water insecurity and its intersection with social determinants.
Justin Stoler, professor at the University of Miami, will examine the erosion of trust between consumers and water utilities, a critical factor influencing water use behaviors and public health outcomes. His research reveals how perceived water quality, communication failures, and historical grievances shape consumer choices and policies for water management.
Melissa Beresford from San José State University will introduce innovative approaches to defining water affordability. By expanding traditional economic models to account for hidden costs and socio-demographic variables, Beresford’s work helps recalibrate policy frameworks to more effectively alleviate water poverty and enhance equitable access.
The AAAS Annual Meeting serves as an unprecedented platform where science intersects with policy and civic engagement. The inclusion of this panel within such a forum signals the urgency and wide-reaching implications of water insecurity beyond conventional boundaries. It encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and community-informed solutions, resonating with global movements for water justice.
In summary, the forthcoming panel led by Arizona State University researchers aims to pivot the conversation around household water insecurity in the United States from a peripheral issue to a central challenge of sustainable development, public health, and social equity. Addressing this multifaceted problem requires embracing technical, political, and cultural dimensions, integrating empirical research with policy innovation to forge pathways toward resilient water futures.
The depth and scale of water insecurity in one of the world’s wealthiest nations demand renewed scientific attention and public discourse. The research and discussions forthcoming at the AAAS Annual Meeting are poised to influence both academic inquiry and practical interventions, ultimately contributing to the broader vision of ensuring water security for all Americans.
Subject of Research: Household Water Insecurity in the United States
Article Title: Beyond the Tap: Understanding the Complexities of Water Insecurity in High-Income Countries
News Publication Date: 2026
Web References: None provided
References: None provided
Image Credits: None provided
Keywords: Climatology, Water chemistry, Hydrology, Geography, Earth systems science
