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Class, Race, Ethnicity, and Justice in Safe Drinking Water Compliance

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  • David Switzer
  • Manuel P. Teodoro

Abstract

Objective Past research yields inconsistent evidence of disparities in environmental quality by socioeconomic status (SES), race, and/or ethnicity. Since the political significance of race/ethnicity may be contingent upon SES, this study advances environmental justice research by examining interactively the effects of race, ethnicity, and SES on environmental quality. Methods We match 2010–2013 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) compliance records with demographic and economic data for U.S. local government water utilities serving populations greater than 1,000. Statistical regression isolates direct and interactive relationships between communities’ racial/ethnic populations, SES, and SDWA compliance. Results We find that community racial/ethnic composition predicts drinking water quality, but also that SES conditions the effect; specifically, black and Hispanic populations most strongly predict SDWA violations in low†SES communities. Conclusions Our findings highlight the importance of analyzing race, ethnicity, and SES interactively in environmental justice research. Results also carry troubling implications for drinking water quality in the United States.

Suggested Citation

  • David Switzer & Manuel P. Teodoro, 2018. "Class, Race, Ethnicity, and Justice in Safe Drinking Water Compliance," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 99(2), pages 524-535, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:99:y:2018:i:2:p:524-535
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12397
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    Cited by:

    1. Agustin Leon-Moreta & Vittoria Totaro, 2023. "Interlocal interactions, municipal boundaries and water and wastewater expenditure in city-regions," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 60(1), pages 46-66, January.
    2. Wan, Xibo & Keiser, David, 2020. "The Effects of Source Water Protection Grants: Evidence from the Minnesota Clean Water Fund," 2020 Annual Meeting, July 26-28, Kansas City, Missouri 304386, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    3. Xun Cao & Qing Deng & Xiaojun Li & Zijie Shao, 2022. "Fine me if you can: Fixed asset intensity and enforcement of environmental regulations in China," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(4), pages 983-1004, October.
    4. Scott, Ryan P. & Scott, Tyler A. & Greer, Robert A., 2019. "The environmental and safety performance of gas utilities in the United States," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    5. repec:ags:aaea22:336001 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Hyde, Kelly, 2020. "The Regressive Costs of Drinking Water Contaminant Avoidance," GLO Discussion Paper Series 703, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    7. Elbakidze, Levan & Beeson, Quinn, 2020. "State Regulatory Heterogeneity and Clean Water Act Compliance," 2020 Annual Meeting, July 26-28, Kansas City, Missouri 304638, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

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