"Several months ago, Rosario Rodriguez faced a financial dilemma that has become all too common for millions of drought-weary Californians either pay the electric bill, which had skyrocketed to about $300 during a scorching summer in western Fresno County, or pay the $220 combined water, sewer and trash bill."
The Water Rate Assistance Program, which Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed last month, would have created a water affordability program for low-income households.
The ongoing drought has raised costs, making it increasingly difficult for more than 13 million low-income households across the state to afford water. Many are looking for officials to take action.