U.S. Household Water Costs Rise 62% in a Decade

Researchers examined 500 large community water systems serving 155 million people. For a household using an estimated 60,000 gallons annually, the typical 2025 charge was $531—62% higher than ten years earlier. That usage estimate covers drinking, showers, laundry and similar needs. Wastewater and stormwater fees were excluded.

Infrastructure pressures are contributing to rising costs. Utilities are spending on older systems and climate-related adaptations, while federal support has declined. Since fiscal year 2022, congressional appropriations for a state water-project fund have fallen at least $1 billion short of authorized levels. A 2023 Environmental Protection Agency survey estimated that drinking-water systems require $625 billion over the following two years for improvements and health compliance.

Location and ownership produced major differences. Hempstead, New York’s government-operated system had the lowest figure examined, at $133 for 2025. In San Jose, California, customers of San Jose Water were charged $1,416 on average that year, following a 163% rise over the decade. Idaho’s three largest systems averaged $286, while West Virginia’s two largest—both owned by American Water—averaged $1,383. For-profit operators averaged $823, exceeding public-system charges by $329. The California example illustrates why water expenses can vary sharply for Simi Valley households planning annual costs.