Some water utilities around the North America are announcing planned increases to water rates. Rate increases aren’t usually celebrated by consumers – especially among households struggling to meet essential needs -- but it’s worthwhile to consider for a moment why they are necessary.

An ongoing situation in Louisiana that has generated a lot of news coverage is introducing the term “saltwater intrusion” to many people. It also highlights the potential impact of more familiar challenges facing the water sector – climate change, drought and source water protection.