Two Cities, Water, and a Metropolitan University

Abstract

In 2000, officials in the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock asked the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to assist in resolving a difficult and long-standing conflict over water rates and the provision of drinking water. A task force of 6 faculty members recommended that the cities merge their water departments, appoint a new water commission with members from both cities, and join with other municipalities in identifying a new raw water source for the future. Although a surprise to most observers, the water departments were merged in 2001 and a study of future water sources has been started. Since the merger, a similar study in another community has been requested.