A new study on race and water affordability, which focuses part of its findings in Baltimore, suggests African Americans are disproportionately negatively affected by rising water bills and concludes by urging city leaders to pass new legislation to address the issue.

“Water/Color: A Study of Race and the Water Affordability Crisis in America’s Cities,” the study by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, shows disparities of water affordability among African Americans in Baltimore, citing a “disproportionate and detrimental impact on the city’s black’s neighborhoods.”

The 100-page study, published Monday, examines Baltimore as one of two “city studies,” stating “Baltimore’s water rates have risen more rapidly than the national average.”

City Council President Brandon Scott and Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton showed their support Tuesday for a new measure, called the Water Accountability and Affordability Act, which aims to alleviate issues caused by the city’s water billing system.