2015 Water Costs Up 6% in 30 Major U.S. Cities; 41% Rise Since 2010

Urban water use decline is changing the business model for utility companies.  The nation’s far-reaching water supply network in American cities is getting old. Thousands of miles of distribution pipes beneath city streets - the lengthy water transport and treatment infrastructure - are now cracked and brittle and the cost to repair and renew America’s long-neglected water systems won’t be cheap.

Rebuilding will be costly, and water rates will continue to grow for some time. There is no avoiding it.  The price of residential water service in 30 major U.S. cities rose faster than the cost of nearly every other household staple last year, according to a recent water pricing survey.

The economics of water — particularly the cost of treatment, pumping, and new infrastructure, as well as the retail price for consumers — gained renewed prominence as California and Texas - two most populous states experiencing historic droughts.

The average monthly cost of water for a family of four using 100 gallons per person per day climbed 6 percent, according to data collected from the utilities. For families using 150 gallons and 50 gallons per person per day, average water prices rose 6 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively.

Assessments project the national cost of repairing and replacing old pipes could be 1 trillion dollars over the next two decades. New treatment technologies are needed to meet Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act requirements.

At the same time, conservation measures have proven successful. Utilities are selling less water, but these factors amount to a persistent upward pressure on water rates.

Consider your own water use.  WaterXtender™ is a great way to help save water bill costs necessary for your plants, trees, grass and vegetables.

Pat Dwight

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