Some big water agencies in farming areas get water for free. Critics say that needs to end

United States. Researchers and municipal authorities reported multiple water-related developments this week: a study found the federal government charges large agricultural water agencies far lower wholesale prices than cities in California, Arizona and Nevada; Waterbury, Connecticut, experienced a major water main break causing widespread outages and prompting distribution centers and prompting emergency repairs across systems; North Adams, Massachusetts, issued a boil water notice after weekend pipe failures on Dec. 14, 2025; New Mexico's Environment Department offered free private well testing near the Hermits Peak–Calf Canyon burn scar after a 2025 geological study. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.