U.S. Household Water Bills Jump 62 Percent in Ten Years

Food & Water Watch released a report on October 6, 2026, revealing that water costs have risen faster than grocery prices and median household income, raising concerns about affordability nationwide. This structural shift highlights mounting challenges in funding and access to essential water services.

The nonprofit analyzed billing data from the 500 largest community water systems serving over 155 million people. The average annual charge for 60,000 gallons reached $531 in 2025, compared to an inflation-adjusted $457 in 2015. The report found water unaffordable for low-income households in 93 percent of systems, with Puerto Rico noted for charging a “dangerous 20 percent” of income for water among low-income households. Steep increases appeared notably in Louisiana, Maryland, New Hampshire, and California. The report calls for banning water privatization, holding polluters accountable, and restoring federal funding to address affordability. Experts, including representatives from the water sector, note the need to consider sector-wide cost pressures and acknowledge the impact of federal infrastructure funding cuts.

Food & Water Watch urges local and federal action to halt rising water costs amid climate-driven threats to supplies and infrastructure.

Water Bills Surged More Than Other Costs in US Homes Over 10 Years, a ‘Striking’ New Report Shows
By Derek Harrison, Inside Climate News