Institutional Framework for Rural Water Supply: A Comparative Analysis of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia

摘要

Americans living in rural areas and small communities experience a disproportionate share of water supply problems--both of quantity and quality. Their systems confront special economic and financial problems because of the higher costs of system development in areas of low population density and the generally lower incomes of residents. This study sought to determine whether existing institutions adequately recognize and address the unique problems experienced by water supply systems in rural areas--specifically, in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The report first describes a variety of institutional arrangements for provision of water supply and their strengths and weaknesses. Second, it analyzes programs for technical and financial assistance from federal and state governments and includes a comparative evaluation of the programs of the three states.