Texas increases prison bottled water price by 50% during extreme heat wave.
Texas increases prison bottled water price by 50% during extreme heat wave.
Extreme Heat and Limited Access to Water in Texas Prisons
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This summer in Texas has been particularly brutal, with some of the longest heatwaves ever recorded in the state. Cities like El Paso and McAllen have been experiencing consecutive days of scorching triple-digit temperatures. In the midst of this punishing heat, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice has made a controversial decision to raise the price of bottled water for incarcerated individuals by 50%.
Access to clean and safe water is crucial, especially during extreme weather conditions. However, the tap water in many Texas prisons is reportedly “simply filthy,” according to prison reform advocates. With the current heatwave, the limited availability of clean water becomes even more concerning. It is worth noting that last year, at least 306 people in Texas lost their lives due to heat-related illnesses.
Price Increase and Financial Impact
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed the price change in an email exchange and cited a request from their vendor. Despite attempts to find an alternative vendor or negotiate a lower price, the department ultimately accepted the raise. A case of bottled water that previously cost $4.80 now costs $7.20, and individual bottles have gone up from $0.20 to $0.30. The decision to increase prices adds financial pressure on families with incarcerated loved ones, particularly those who are the main breadwinners.
Water Quality Concerns
While the department claims that all inmates have access to non-bottled water for free, prison reform advocate Amite Dominick disputes the assertion. Dominick, along with other incarcerated individuals, states that the quality of the tap water provided in the units is “simply filthy.” This raises serious concerns about the health and well-being of those in correctional facilities. Compounded by the lack of universal air conditioning in Texas prisons, access to clean and safe water becomes even more essential. Shockingly, more than two-thirds of prisons in Texas do not have air conditioning in most living areas.
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Battle for Heat Safety and Water Access
The recent price increase of bottled water in Texas prisons is just another development in the ongoing battle for heat safety and access to water across the state. Construction workers in Texas have been protesting against a new law that ended local ordinances mandating water breaks. Activists have referred to it as “the law that kills,” as workers are forced to endure punishing heat without sufficient breaks and access to water.
The combination of extreme heat, limited access to clean water, and inadequate cooling systems in Texas prisons raises urgent concerns about the well-being and safety of incarcerated individuals. As the state faces soaring temperatures and a growing demand for heat safety measures, it becomes imperative to address these issues and prioritize the health of all Texans, regardless of their circumstances.
