The study warns that more than one-third of households in Santa Cruz could face difficulties affording water by mid-century, with median monthly bills for the poorest residents potentially rising from $60 to $111. Low-income residents, who already use less water, will be hit hardest as they allocate a larger share of their resources to water costs. The research also predicts 'water affordability hotspots' across the U.S., particularly in areas reliant on surface water or lacking interconnected systems. Without significant government intervention, these challenges could exacerbate financial strain for vulnerable populations.