This talk focuses on the author and collaborators’ published research which explores answers to sev- eral related questions regarding drinking water system consolidation, a policy that has grown in favor in recent years a means to enhance water equity in the United States. First, the motivation and potential for drinking water drinking water system is outlined, using examples from Los Angeles as well as New York. Second, we present results on a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence and governance pathways of drinking water system consolidations in California over the period 2015-2021. We find empirical support for certain, but not all common, theoretical claims about consolidation in the literature. Third, using this same dataset, we analyze the populations involved and equity outcomes achieved. We find that residents served by consolidating and receiving systems tend to be similar but among consolidated systems, low-resource communities are under- represented. We close with implications for future research, policy and advocacy on drinking water system consolidation. 

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