A Review of Plumbing Poverty in Oklahoma

An AI-generated image of plumbing poverty in Oklahoma (Credit: DALL-E)

We usually focus on low—and middle-income countries when discussing problems related to accessing toilets and other sanitation infrastructures. However, this problem persists in many communities in lower-resourced areas in high-income countries—like the US. Statistics on toilet access might be higher in high-income countries, but access is not equally distributed everywhere. This blog will look at plumbing poverty issues in the US, focusing on the State of Oklahoma as a case study.

Plumbing Poverty in the US

The USA ranks as one of the richest countries in the world. Yet, communities in the US that are racial or ethnic minorities and/or low-income are more likely to lack access to toilets and efficient plumbing (the system of pipes that helps us have running water in our homes and ensures that waste water is safely disposed of). 

“Plumbing poverty" refers to unequal access to essentials like flush toilets and clean water. Having these resources isn't just about convenience—it's crucial for a good quality of life and keeping public health in check. Unfortunately, many communities still lack proper plumbing facilities in countries like the US. 

There is not a lot of data about toilet and plumbing access in the US. Still, the limited information available points out that houselessness, indigenous reservations, and predominantly impoverished areas are especially underserved. 

What about Oklahoma?

Kingfisher, OK (Credit: Wikimedia)

Let's dive deeper into the US's toilet access and plumbing issues and focus on Oklahoma, the 30th state in economic rankings. Oklahoma is a fusion of cultural histories and geographical peculiarities, and its rapid modernization offers a unique perspective. It is the state with the second-highest population of Native Americans. About 16% of Oklahomans live under the poverty line, with Black people experiencing the highest poverty rate (25%), followed by Latines (21%), and Native Americans (20%). Despite the rapid economic and population growth of Oklahoma as a state, differences in development have made the question of plumbing access a reality for thousands across the state. 

In the state capital of Oklahoma City, 1.2% of households in low-income neighborhoods reportedly do not have access to indoor plumbing. While this number may seem marginally small, it still indicates that hundreds to thousands of families do not have access to basic plumbing needs in the state’s largest city. This number is also exclusive to families and individuals who do not have access to permanent residence, a population that has significantly increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. Plumbing poverty within the heart of Oklahoma’s biggest city reflects a stark contrast between the reality of the poorest residents and the report that the city has one of the brightest economic outlooks in the country. 

Outside the city, Oklahoma is also home to some of the largest amounts of plumbing poverty amongst indigenous communities. Reservations continue to struggle with accessing plumbing, with a nationwide estimate that over 30% of Native American households do not have complete plumbing services. In a 2019 mapping of plumbing poverty hot spots, Oklahoma is reported to have a large proportion of indigenous Native Americans that lack access to developed plumbing and infrastructure. Oklahoma, with its particularly significant Native American population and numerous tribal lands, sees a heightened manifestation of plumbing poverty in these areas. Many homes on reservations lack access to clean water and functional sanitation systems, which starkly contrasts with the standard American image of indoor plumbing and running water.

The reasons for this disparity are complex, involving historical neglect, geographical isolation, and bureaucratic complications. Efforts to address these issues often run into funding challenges and regulatory roadblocks, making it a persistent problem that seems hard to solve.

What Can Oklahoma Do?

Tapping the root causes and challenges unique to Oklahoma is essential to effectively addressing plumbing poverty in the state. Addressing plumbing poverty in Oklahoma will also require a multi-faceted approach involving policy changes, infrastructural investment, and community involvement to combat the issue effectively. 

Looking at investment first, a 2021 Infrastructure Report Card showed that an expected $6.9 billion investment is needed to secure clean water alone. While significant investments in water and wastewater infrastructure have been made, such as the $2.38 million grant from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve water systems in District 4 Atoka County, it is crucial for such investments to prioritize areas and communities that have been historically neglected. Last year, a $200 million investment to improve water infrastructure was raised in collaboration between Oklahoma tribes, state agencies, and various communities. Such multi-stakeholder collaborations, and ones involving local communities, can be crucial for sustainable change. 

Another example of current initiatives is the Shawnee City Council’s Shawnee Homeless Outreach Program, which has played a key role in increasing the amount of public plumbing through porta-potty, making sanitation services more accessible across the town. The involvement of local organizations and community groups has proven to be instrumental in driving these changes.  

Despite these investments, there are still barriers to investments in Oklahoma. The current political climate under the Stitt Administration may have contributed to barriers to investment. Governor Kevin Stitt’s policies emphasized tax cuts and reduced government spending, which can limit the funds available for public infrastructure projects. Additionally, there have been ongoing tensions between the state government and tribal nations, particularly over issues related to jurisdiction and resource management, which have further hindered collaborative efforts to address plumbing poverty on reservations. This may also add to the challenge of the significant discrepancies between local governance structures and reservations regarding funding and implementing infrastructure projects. 

Federal, state, and local governments often have overlapping jurisdictions, complicating decision-making and delaying funding allocation. Native American reservations face unique challenges, including limited access to state and federal funds, bureaucratic hurdles, and inadequate agency coordination. The lack of dedicated investment in tribal areas means many reservations are left behind when planning infrastructure improvements. Improving cooperation between state, local, and tribal governments and making it easier for communities to access funding and resources are crucial steps to accelerate improvements. 

Technology will also play a crucial role in this battle. Oklahoma has many geographically isolated and hard-to-reach communities, such as tribal lands, and this can pose significant challenges for traditional infrastructure due to their sparse populations and difficult terrain. Modern, decentralized solutions like small-scale water treatment systems and composting toilets in these areas can provide essential sanitation services without requiring extensive and costly piping networks. These alternatives offer a practical and efficient way to address plumbing poverty and ensure equitable access to clean water and sanitation across Oklahoma.

Conclusion

While the issue of plumbing poverty in Oklahoma is serious, it is not insurmountable. With sustained effort, strategic investment, and innovative thinking, it's possible to ensure every Oklahoman can access the basic plumbing facilities they need. The journey to eradicate plumbing poverty will not just improve living conditions; it will uphold the dignity, public health, and human rights of every individual in the Sooner State.

Special thanks to Audrey Zhou for helping get this blog post started!