Drinking water costs have risen 62% nationally between 2015 and 2025, outpacing inflation, grocery prices and median household income, according to a new report by Food & Water Watch. The surge signals a deepening affordability crisis for households across the United States.
The report examined billing data from the 500 largest community water systems, which serve more than 155āÆmillion people, or 45āÆ% of the U.S. population. Average annual household water bills climbed to $531 in 2025, up from $336 in 2015 (about $457 in 2025 dollars), while the highest reported bill was $1,416 in San Jose, California.
Water bills in Louisiana, Maryland and West Virginia grew about twice as fast as state median household incomes, and New Hampshireās bills rose nearly fivefold. The analysis found that 93āÆ% of the systems made water unaffordable for lowāincome households, with Puerto Rico showing a 20āÆ% share of income for lowāincome families, the worst affordability crisis reported.
UC Berkeley professor Kristin Dobbin called the study extremely important, noting that inflation, treatment chemical costs and aging infrastructure are driving the price increases. The EPA estimates that $625āÆbillion to $960āÆbillion in upgrades will be needed over the next two decades to meet existing water quality standards.
The National Association of Water Companies said rate assessments should consider system performance, usage patterns and customer assistance programs. Food & Water Watch recommends banning water privatization, repealing proāprivatization legislation, holding polluters accountable, and restoring federal funding to address the affordability crisis.
Source: newhampshirebulletin.com
