Washington — A recent study by the environmental nonprofit Food & Water Watch reveals that water bills across the United States have surged 62% between 2015 and 2025 among the nation’s 500 largest community water providers, which serve roughly 155 million people.

Costs rising faster than earnings

The report finds water bills increased 19% faster than household incomes over the same period, meaning families are allocating a larger share of their earnings to an essential service. In several states, including Louisiana, Maryland, New Hampshire and West Virginia, water costs grew about twice as fast as incomes.

Regional variation

Spending on water also varies widely. In Idaho, the average household paid $286 for water in 2025, while West Virginia households spent $1,383 on average.

Why bills are climbing

Food & Water Watch cites aging infrastructure, the need to meet federal drinking‑water standards, and the financial strain of droughts and natural disasters as key drivers. The organization also points to industrial pollution and what it calls “federal disinvestment” as factors fueling a water‑system crisis.

Future investment needs

The American Water Works Association estimates that U.S. drinking‑water systems will require up to $2.4 trillion over the next 25 years to maintain and modernize infrastructure. If those costs fall entirely on customers, the association warns that household water bills could more than double by 2050.

Policy recommendations

Food & Water Watch recommends increasing state and local support for community‑owned water systems, holding polluters financially responsible for contamination, and preventing private‑sector entities from shifting water‑related expenses onto residential customers. The group also urges Congress to fund water‑infrastructure improvements to help communities meet federal water‑quality requirements.

Broader utility cost pressures

The rising water costs join a broader trend of climbing utility expenses. Electricity prices continue to rise, and heating‑oil costs are projected to be about 50% higher this winter, with overall home‑heating expenses expected to increase 8.7% nationwide—more than twice the rate of inflation.

While the analysis does not provide city‑specific rate changes, it underscores the financial strain on households and the importance of public investment, stronger pollution enforcement, and local control of water systems to keep water affordable for American families.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.