US Water Bills Surge 62% in Decade, Outpacing Inflation and Income
A new study by Food & Water Watch reveals that US households are paying 62% more for drinking water than a decade ago, a rate of increase significantly higher than overall inflation, grocery prices, and median household income. Analyzing 2025 billing data from the 500 largest community water systems serving 155 million people, the report found that the average household using 60,000 gallons paid $531 annually. Costs varied widely, ranging from $133 to $1,416. The study highlights a stark disparity between public and private systems, with corporate-owned utilities charging $823 per year compared to $494 for public systems. Low-income households face the most severe burden, with water bills exceeding 1.5% of income in 93% of systems. New Hampshire saw the highest increase at 177%, while Puerto Rico and West Virginia faced the heaviest financial strain, with bills consuming up to 20% of low-income incomes. Industry groups attribute rising costs to infrastructure renewal, regulatory compliance, and climate resilience needs, warning that bills could double by 2050 without federal assistance.