Safe and affordable drinking water and waste water service (referred to as “water service” in my statement) are essential utility services. The human body needs water to survive, and clean water
is necessary for cooking, cleaning and sanitation. Water service is also essential for a dwelling to
be considered habitable. The United Nations General Assembly has recognized water as a
human right. One state, California, has passed legislation explicitly stating that: “It is hereby
declared to be the established policy of the state that every human being has the right to safe,
clean, affordable, and accessible water adequate for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary
purposes.”