The Program on Human Rights and the Global Economy (PHRGE) recently released the eighth publication in its series on water and human rights in the US, “Data on Tap: Realizing Human Rights Through Water Utility Reporting Laws.” This briefing paper examines US initiatives to promote water policy transparency through the lens of the human right to information.

Jacob Hayward ’23 served as lead author, in consultation with faculty and staff and attorneys at the Natural Resources Defense Council and the National Consumer Law Center. PHRGE staff are also providing technical advice to Massachusetts legislators, including Sen. Becca Rausch ’04, who is leading the charge for a water reporting law for the commonwealth.

“There is a growing trend to require that water utilities share data about the impacts of their policies,” said Professor Martha Davis. “Our report explains that access to data is both a human right and a critical step toward ensuring equitable access to water as costs increase.”