Household water expenses in the United States have climbed by 62% over the last ten years, outpacing general inflation trends, according to a recent analysis by the nonprofit advocacy group Food and Water Watch. The rise is largely attributed to utilities investing heavily in aging infrastructure and adapting systems to withstand climate change impacts, even as federal support for these projects has waned.
The study examined data from 500 of the nation’s largest community water systems, which collectively serve approximately 155 million people. Researchers calculated costs based on 60,000 gallons of water—the estimated annual usage for drinking, showering, and laundry. Notably, the figures did not include wastewater or stormwater fees, which are billed separately.
Average water bills across the surveyed systems reached $531 last year, though geographic disparities are significant. Hempstead, New York, recorded the lowest average at $133 annually, while San Jose, California, saw the highest costs. In San Jose, private provider San Jose Water charged residents an average of $1,416 in 2025, representing a 163% increase over the past decade.
State-level comparisons highlight further inequalities. Idaho maintained the lowest overall bills, with its top three systems averaging $286. Conversely, West Virginia, a state with some of the highest poverty rates nationally, saw its two largest systems, operated by American Water, charge an average of $1,383 per year.
The analysis also found that for-profit corporations driving water systems tend to charge more than public utilities. Private companies averaged $823 for water in 2025, $329 more than public systems. This funding gap coincides with concerns from the American Society of Civil Engineers, whose 2025 Infrastructure Report Card noted that Congress has appropriated at least $1 billion less than authorized levels for federal water infrastructure funds since fiscal year 2022. Additionally, the EPA projects a $625 billion investment need for drinking water system upgrades over the next two years to meet health requirements.
This increase in utility costs adds to the financial strain on American families, who are already grappling with high grocery prices and broader inflationary pressures.
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Has anyone actually looked at whether these rate hikes are correlated with improved service quality, or are we just paying more for the same leaks?
Infrastructure is old and climate change is real, I get it. But $1,416 a year for water in San Jose feels like pure greed by the private provider.
I live in Idaho and our bills are still quite reasonable. It seems incredibly unfair that West Virginia rates are so disproportionately high.
Wait, so that sixty-two percent hike doesn’t even include wastewater or stormwater fees? That number must be even higher in reality.
It is frankly outrageous that for-profit companies charge nearly double what public systems do for the exact same service.