Americans are paying 62% more for water than a decade ago, study finds
Summary
A new study shows that Americans are paying 62% more for their household water today than ten years ago. Rising costs are due to investments in old water systems and climate change, while federal funding to support these upgrades has decreased.Key Facts
- Water bills have increased by 62% on average across the U.S. over the past decade.
- The study examined 500 large community water systems serving 155 million people.
- The average annual water bill was $531 in 2025 for 60,000 gallons (typical household use).
- Private water companies charge more, with an average bill of $823, compared to $494 for public systems.
- San Jose, California had the highest water bill at $1,416 per year, a 163% rise over 10 years.
- Hempstead, New York had one of the lowest water bills at $133 per year.
- West Virginia, a poorer state, has some of the highest water bills, with $1,383 charged annually by private companies.
- The EPA estimates $625 billion is needed nationwide over two years to upgrade water systems and meet health standards.
- Federal funding for water infrastructure has fallen at least $1 billion below authorized levels since 2022.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
