Water Prices by State

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Table

Introduction

In the United States, water prices vary greatly depending on the region and service provider. On a national average, residential customers pay around $54 per month for water and sewer services combined. In some parts of the country, such as California, residents may pay upwards of $84 per month for the same services. These higher charges are due to expensive infrastructure maintenance and repair costs. The availability of clean water is essential for public health, yet data from 2019 shows that about 8 percent of households in the US struggle to afford basic household needs such as water and sanitation services due to high monthly payments. The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) reported that since 2011, rates have increased nationally by nearly 10%, which is higher than any other utility service in the country. In order to help families afford their water bill payments, many local governments have introduced assistance programs that provide subsidies or discounts based on income levels or participation in other government-funded initiatives such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Additionally, many states support conservation efforts through rate structures that reward customers who use less water with discounted rates.

#StateAverage Water BillAverage Electricity Cost
1West Virginia$91$0.09 per kWh
2California$77$0.2 per kWh
3Oregon$76$0.09 per kWh
4Washington$75$0.09 per kWh
5New Jersey$72$0.14 per kWh
6Connecticut$69$0.18 per kWh
7Alaska$68$0.2 per kWh
8Arizona$64$0.11 per kWh
9Hawaii$64$0.3 per kWh
10Wyoming$53$0.08 per kWh
11Kentucky$49$0.09 per kWh
12Delaware$46$0.11 per kWh
13Maryland$46$0.12 per kWh
14Tennessee$43$0.1 per kWh
15Colorado$39$0.11 per kWh
16Missouri$39$0.1 per kWh
17Idaho$38$0.08 per kWh
18Montana$38$0.1 per kWh
19Utah$38$0.08 per kWh
20Texas$37$0.09 per kWh
21Virginia$36$0.09 per kWh
22Oklahoma$35$0.09 per kWh
23Massachusetts$34$0.19 per kWh
24Florida$33$0.11 per kWh
25South Carolina$33$0.1 per kWh
26Iowa$32$0.09 per kWh
27New Mexico$32$0.1 per kWh
28Rhode Island$32$0.18 per kWh
29North Dakota$31$0.09 per kWh
30Pennsylvania$31$0.1 per kWh
31Alabama$30$0.1 per kWh
32Indiana$30$0.1 per kWh
33New York$30$0.16 per kWh
34Michigan$29$0.13 per kWh
35Georgia$28$0.1 per kWh
36Minnesota$28$0.11 per kWh
37Kansas$27$0.11 per kWh
38New Hampshire$27$0.17 per kWh
39Ohio$27$0.1 per kWh
40Arkansas$26$0.09 per kWh
41Illinois$26$0.1 per kWh
42Nevada$26$0.09 per kWh
43South Dakota$26$0.1 per kWh
44Maine$24$0.14 per kWh
45Mississippi$23$0.1 per kWh
46Nebraska$23$0.09 per kWh
47Louisiana$21$0.09 per kWh
48North Carolina$20$0.09 per kWh
49Vermont$18$0.16 per kWh
50Wisconsin$18$0.11 per kWh

How Much Is the Average Water Bill ?

The average water bill in the United States is quite expensive and varies from state to state. On average, the cost of a monthly water bill for one person in the US can range from $20 to upwards of $100. Depending on local factors such as taxes, population density, drought conditions and type of service (metered or flat rate) prices can vary widely. In heavily populated areas with limited resources such as California, water bills are often much higher than other states due to their dry climate and high demand for water. The national median is around $35 per month with the highest concentration of households spending between $50-$90 per month. Additionally, an average family household spends up to three times more than a single-person household, primarily due to increased usage from showers and washing machines. For those living in rural areas who use private wells for their main source of water, their bills usually consist solely of energy costs for pumping the water and maintaining the system itself.

Average Water Consumption

The average water consumption in the United States is high compared to many other countries around the world, with an estimated total of 355 billion gallons of fresh water being used each day. On a per capita basis, Americans use an average of 88 million gallons per person per day. Depending on the region, this figure can be much higher; for example, water consumption in the arid Southwest can exceed 200 million gallons per person per day. These figures are likely to rise in the years ahead due to population growth and climate change. In addition, it is interesting to note that up to two-thirds of US daily water usage is from non-domestic purposes such as agriculture and energy production.

Water Prices by State

Across the United States, the average water bill is $40.92., but the cost of water bills varies from state to state, and even within states the cost can vary greatly from county to county. On average, West Virginia residents pay the highest amount, with an average water bill of $91. The states with the lowest monthly water bills are Vermont and North Carolina with $18 and $20 respectively. Generally speaking, states located in the western United States tend to have lower water bills than those located on the east coast or along America’s southern border. For example, California, Oregon and Washington all have relatively low water bills compared to states like New Jersey, Connecticut and Alaska which have higher average bills. Additionally, there appears to be some variability between neighboring states as well; for instance Wyoming has an average bill of just $53 whereas neighboring Colorado has a slightly higher bill at $39. There are also many other factors that could affect how much individuals end up paying for their water bills such as regional regulations and local infrastructure systems. Regardless of these circumstances however, it is clear that there is a great deal of variation when it comes to state-by-state averages when it comes to monthly water bills in the US.

States With Highest Water Prices

The ten states with the highest water prices are West Virginia, California, Oregon, Washington, New Jersey, Connecticut, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Wyoming. The state with the highest water prices is West Virginia with an average water bill of $91 per month. The second state with the highest water prices is California with an average water bill of $77 per month. Oregon ranks third with an average water bill of $76 per month. Washington has an average monthly water bill of $75 while New Jersey has an average monthly water bill of $72. Connecticut has the sixth highest water bill per month while Alaska has an average water bill of $68 per month. Arizona and Hawaii have an average water bill of $64 per month while Wyoming has an average monthly water bill of $53.

The ten states with the highest water bill are:

1. West Virginia – $91
2. California – $77
3. Oregon – $76
4. Washington – $75
5. New Jersey – $72
6. Connecticut – $69
7. Alaska – $68
8. Arizona – $64
9. Hawaii – $64
10. Wyoming – $53

States With Lowest Water Prices

The ten states with the lowest water prices are Wisoncinsin, Vermont, North Carolina, Louisiana, Nebraska, Mississippi, Maine, South Dakota, Nevada, and Illinois. Wisconsin has the lowest water prices reporting an average water bill of $18 per month. Vermont has the second lowest water prices by state with an average monthly water bill of $18 as well. North Carolina has the third lowest water prices by state with an average water bill of $20 per month. Louisiana has an average water bill of $21 per month while Nebraska and Mississippi both have an average monthly water bill of $23. Maine ranks seventh with an average water bill of $24. Lastly, South Dakota, Nevada, and Illinois each have an average water bill of $26 per month.

The ten states with the lowest water bill are:

1. Wisconsin – $18
2. Vermont – $18
3. North Carolina – $20
4. Louisiana – $21
5. Nebraska – $23
6. Mississippi – $23
7. Maine – $24
8. South Dakota – $26
9. Nevada – $26
10. Illinois – $26

Average Water Bill by State

Alabama

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$30

Ranked in the US

#31

$0.1 per kWh

↑ 4.08%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#25

The average water bill in Alabama is $30 a month, ranking the state thirty-first in the United States in terms of water prices. Some Alabama residents have been receiving higher bills than they are used to because water companies have not had enough meter readers due to the pandemic and a difficult hiring market. The estimated bills were therefore often far higher than previous bills.

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Alaska

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$68

Ranked in the US

#7

$0.2 per kWh

↑ 1.01%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#2

Alaska’s average water bill of $68 a month puts them in seventeenth place in terms of highest water bills across the United States. Because Alaska has many remote and rural communities, water systems are expensive to build and maintain. Many of these communities still do not have access to running water or flushing toilets. While there is water available in larger cities, the costs run high.

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Arizona

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$64

Ranked in the US

#8

$0.11 per kWh

↑ 2.88%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#18

The average water bill in Arizona ranks eighth in the U.S. at $64 a month. Those prices are on the rise due to inflation as well as to the drought that Arizona has been experiencing recently.

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Arkansas

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$26

Ranked in the US

#40

$0.09 per kWh

↑ 9.64%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#36

Arkansas has relatively cheap water prices. Their average water bill is $26, ranking the state fortieth in the U.S. for water prices. Some of Arkansas’s water infrastructure needs to be updated, so water prices may go up to help finance those projects. This includes the renovation of the water treatment plant and the installation of a new major water line.

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California

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$77

Ranked in the US

#2

$0.2 per kWh

↑ 9.44%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#3

California’s average water bills are the second highest in the US at $77 a month. California has a high cost of living in general, and inflation as well as a water shortage due to extreme drought has only made prices go up further. That is why the California legislature passed a bill in 2022 to help low-income Californians pay their water bills.

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Colorado

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$39

Ranked in the US

#15

$0.11 per kWh

↑ 5.83%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#17

Colorado’s average water bill is $39 a month ranking fifteenth nationally. These prices are scheduled to rise in Colorado’s capital Denver in 2023 after the Denver Board of Water Commissioners adopted a rate change. The additional income will be used to cover increased costs due to inflation as well as supply chain issues, and to pay for infrastructure improvements.

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Connecticut

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$69

Ranked in the US

#6

$0.18 per kWh

↓ 4.19%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#6

Connecticut is an expensive state when it comes to its water prices. With an average water bill of $69 a month, they rank sixth in the United States. In 2021, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority in Connecticut set new base rates for the Connecticut Water Company whilst also approving a Water Rate Assistance Program that offers a 15% discount for families below a certain income.

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Delaware

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$46

Ranked in the US

#12

$0.11 per kWh

↑ 2.94%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#20

Delaware’s average water bill of $46 a month puts it in twelve place out of all fifty states across the U.S. While the state’s water services are still public as of now, many are discussing their privatization. There has been more privatization in neighboring Pennsylvania, and even some offers from Pennsylvania for Delaware’s water services - which they have been able to keep at bay so far.

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Florida

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$33

Ranked in the US

#24

$0.11 per kWh

↑ 0.94%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#19

Florida ranks twenty-fourth in terms of water prices. Their average water bill has been calculated at $33 a month. Florida was hit by several tropical storms in 2022, which damaged water infrastructures and lead to less available clean drinking water. Because Florida’s governor declared a state of emergency, upping prices because of excessive demand is illegal during this time.

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Georgia

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$28

Ranked in the US

#35

$0.1 per kWh

↑ 5.05%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#22

Georgia ranks thirty-fifth in the U.S. when it comes to water prices at $28 a month. Georgia’s water quality might be linked to this cheap water price. In 2017, it appeared among the states with the most drinking water violations. However, Georgia’s water quality has improved since and the number of violations has decreased significantly.

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Hawaii

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$64

Ranked in the US

#9

$0.3 per kWh

↑ 9.78%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#1

Hawaii is in the top ten of the most expensive states when it comes to the water bill. It ranks ninth with an average bill of $64. Fresh water is incredibly valuable on the islands since much of the rainfall they have seeped through the earth. Studies have shown that aquifers - the underground spaces that hold rainwater - contain leaks, making it more challenging to use it before it disappears.

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Idaho

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$38

Ranked in the US

#17

$0.08 per kWh

↑ 2.5%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#51

Idaho’s average water bill of $38 dollars a month means it ranks seventeenth out of all fifty states. Idahoans tend to use a lot of water compared to residents of other states. Their water usage for aquaculture is the highest of any state in the country.

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Illinois

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$26

Ranked in the US

#41

$0.1 per kWh

↑ 3.06%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#26

Water prices in Illinois are relatively affordable. They rank forty-first out of the fifty U.S. states with an average water bill of $26. These prices are on the rise, however. Outdated water infrastructure means certain repairs and replacements are necessary to keep water flowing into homes. Consumers are paying extra charges to fund these investments to keep Illinois’ water infrastructure future-proof.

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Indiana

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$30

Ranked in the US

#32

$0.1 per kWh

↑ 5.05%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#23

Indiana ranks thirtieth in the United States when it comes to the affordability of their water prices. The average water bill costs $30 a month in Indiana. The state has plenty of natural water resources, yet they are also some of the most polluted in the country. This is mostly due to agricultural runoff - surface water that flows into nearby streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

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Iowa

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$32

Ranked in the US

#26

$0.09 per kWh

↑ 1.11%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#37

Iowa’s average water bill is $32, ranking the state twenty-sixth in terms of high water prices. Water infrastructures in Iowa are outdated. This is why Iowa’s lawmakers have decided to invest $113 million from a federal infrastructure bill to improve drinking water and water infrastructure in the state.

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Kansas

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$27

Ranked in the US

#37

$0.11 per kWh

↑ 0.96%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#21

The water prices in Kansas amount to an average bill of $27 a month. It ranks thirty-seventh out of fifty states. Most water in Kansas is used for irrigation. The state population continues to increase, but water use has been trending downward. This is due to improvements to increase efficient water use as well as the installation of more precise meters.

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Kentucky

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$49

Ranked in the US

#11

$0.09 per kWh

↑ 5.81%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#38

Kentucky ranks eleventh in terms of water prices, with an average water bill of $49. Inflation has caused prices to go up, mainly due to an increase in raw materials and equipment costs. These prices are expected to continue to rise in 2023. Difficulty finding meter readers has also meant that more people’s bills are based on estimates - which can be higher than actual usage.

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Louisiana

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$21

Ranked in the US

#47

$0.09 per kWh

↑ 17.33%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#43

Louisiana’s water prices are some of the lowest in the country. The state ranks forty-seventh with an average monthly bill of $21. Most of Louisiana’s water is used for agriculture, but many farmers use their own wells for irrigation. The question is whether they can continue to do this, with groundwater levels being on the decline. Moving forward, consumers may also pay the price of outdated infrastructure.

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Maine

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$24

Ranked in the US

#44

$0.14 per kWh

↑ 3.7%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#10

The water prices in Maine are relatively affordable. With an average monthly water bill of $24, they rank forty-fourth in the U.S. Maine has a lot of natural water resources - such as lakes and ponds - from which they draw their own water. Much of that water is already extremely clean in comparison to other parts of the United States.

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Maryland

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$46

Ranked in the US

#13

$0.12 per kWh

↑ 2.68%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#14

The water prices in Maryland are on the higher side. Residents of Maryland pay an average of $46 a month for water, ranking them thirteenth in the U.S. There are big differences between the prices in the city and those in Maryland’s rural areas - which are much lower. The state currently has no regulation on water accessibility or affordability.

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Massachusetts

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$34

Ranked in the US

#23

$0.19 per kWh

↑ 4.95%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#4

Massachusetts's average water bill of $34 a month ranks the state twenty-third of all fifty states. Their prices have been on the rise for years. Consumers have been indirectly paying for outdated infrastructure that needs replacing or repairing. Residents of Massachusetts have also been using less water, which has led providers to increase the price per unit so they could continue to cover costs.

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Michigan

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$29

Ranked in the US

#34

$0.13 per kWh

↑ 5.74%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#12

Michigan ranks thirty-fourth in the U.S. in terms of water prices with an average water bill of $29. The state’s water, sewage, and drainage systems need to be updated and consumers have been paying the price. In 2022, the Michigan legislature passed a bill to invest in water infrastructure and keep water safe and affordable across the state.

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Minnesota

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$28

Ranked in the US

#36

$0.11 per kWh

↑ 4.72%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#15

Minnesota has an average monthly water bill of $28, ranking it thirty-sixth in the U.S. Minnesota is known for its high-quality drinking water. Much of it is derived from the state’s lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. The state ensures drinking water is safe by charging each user an annual Safe Drinking Water Fee.

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Mississippi

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$23

Ranked in the US

#45

$0.1 per kWh

↑ 4.4%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#33

Mississippi’s average monthly water bill is $23 and ranks forty-fifth in the United States. In 2022, the state experienced a water crisis due to water treatment plants being broken by flooding. Jackson, Mississippi, made global news when residents went without clean water for weeks.

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Missouri

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$39

Ranked in the US

#16

$0.1 per kWh

↑ 2.08%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#29

Missouri’s average monthly water bill of $39 ranks the state sixteenth in the country in terms of water prices. These prices are expected to rise further since their water infrastructure needs to be updated to keep water services in the state safe and efficient. The costs of these repairs or replacements will be transferred in part to the consumer.

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Montana

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$38

Ranked in the US

#18

$0.1 per kWh

↑ 4.4%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#34

Montana ranks eighteenth in the United States in terms of water prices with an average monthly water bill of $38. Montana has a lot of natural water resources, but much of its infrastructure is outdated. Consumers might see a rise in their bills to help compensate for the costs of updated infrastructure. The legislature is also considering using taxpayer money to cover a portion of those costs.

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Nebraska

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$23

Ranked in the US

#46

$0.09 per kWh

↓ 2.22%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#44

Nebraska has some of the lowest water prices in the US. Nebraska ranks forty-sixth with an average monthly water bill of $23. The state is known for having “hard” water and is heavily contaminated with nitrate. Different areas in the state are working on various solutions to make the water safer.

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Nevada

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$26

Ranked in the US

#42

$0.09 per kWh

↑ 3.61%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#46

Nevada ranks forty-second in the United States in terms of water prices. Their average water bill is $26 a month. Nevada is the driest state in the nation and has long worked to conserve and recycle water. Yet, it is facing more scarcity due to droughts and declining water levels. The state is considering short and long-term plans to continue to provide water to its residents.

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New Hampshire

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$27

Ranked in the US

#38

$0.17 per kWh

↑ 4.82%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#7

New Hampshire has an average monthly water bill of $27, ranking thirty-eighth in the U.S. Many residents of the state get water from their own wells. Droughts in 2022 have led to some of these wells running dry and the New Hampshire government is helping low-income families replace the water in their wells.

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New Jersey

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$72

Ranked in the US

#5

$0.14 per kWh

↑ 2.94%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#11

New Jersey has some of the highest water prices in the nation. With an average monthly water bill of $72, the state ranks fifth in the U.S. These prices will go up further because of investments in updating water infrastructure across the state. Regulators have approved a price hike in 2022, though not as much as providers were hoping for.

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New Mexico

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$32

Ranked in the US

#27

$0.1 per kWh

↑ 5.38%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#30

New Mexico’s average water bill of $32 a month, ranking the state twenty-seventh in terms of water prices across the United States. New Mexico has been struggling with a declining water supply. In 2022, the state government secured $26 million in federal funding to improve water infrastructure across the state and continues to provide ample safe water to its residents.

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New York

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$30

Ranked in the US

#33

$0.16 per kWh

↑ 8.05%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#9

The average water bill in New York costs $30 a month, ranking it thirty-third in the nation. A significant price hike is expected, which could have a huge impact on low-income households. People have also spent more time at home since the pandemic, increasing their water usage and therefore their bills.

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North Carolina

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$20

Ranked in the US

#48

$0.09 per kWh

↓ 1.06%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#35

North Carolina’s water bills are affordable. With an average of $20 a month, the state ranks forty-eighth in the United States. Almost a quarter of North Carolina’s residents get their water from private groundwater wells. Though there are technically some quality requirements if a well serves a certain amount of people, there is little to no mandated oversight.

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North Dakota

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$31

Ranked in the US

#29

$0.09 per kWh

↑ 1.18%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#47

North Dakota’s average water bill is $31 a month and ranks twenty-ninth in the United States. As in many other states, the water infrastructure in much of North Dakota is in need of an update. Costs of repairs and replacements have been transferred to consumers who have seen a significant increase in their water bills over the last few years.

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Ohio

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$27

Ranked in the US

#39

$0.1 per kWh

↑ 4.26%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#31

Ohio ranks thirty-ninth in the United States in terms of water prices. The average water bill is $27 a month. These rates have been on the rise for a number of years, especially affecting low-income households. During the pandemic, service providers were not allowed to shut off utilities based on non-payment of bills. That state of emergency ended meaning water can be shut off again if bills are not paid.

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Oklahoma

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$35

Ranked in the US

#22

$0.09 per kWh

↑ 11.84%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#48

The average water bill in Oklahoma is $35 a month and the state ranks twenty-second in the U.S. The state has been experiencing extreme drought in 2022. As a result, the government has set up assistance programs for those struggling to provide enough water to their livestock, honeybees, or farm-raised fish and is providing aid for pond clean out and new rural tap water projects.

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Oregon

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$76

Ranked in the US

#3

$0.09 per kWh

↑ 2.27%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#41

The average water bill in Oregon is $76 a month and ranks the state third in the U.S. The state’s prices are significantly high because the cost of new projects is being transferred to consumers. These projects include an immense water reservoir being built in the state’s largest city, Portland, and the Big Pipe project to prevent sewers from overflowing.

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Pennsylvania

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$31

Ranked in the US

#30

$0.1 per kWh

↑ 3.09%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#27

The average water bill in Pennsylvania is $31 a month which ranks the state thirtieth in the nation. Water services in Pennsylvania are being privatized at a rapid rate and consumers are paying the price. Private companies are buying up public infrastructure in need of an update. To cover the cost of purchase, repair, and replacement, private water providers are upping consumer prices drastically.

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Rhode Island

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$32

Ranked in the US

#28

$0.18 per kWh

↓ 0.54%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#5

Rhode Island ranks thirty-second out of fifty states with an average water bill of $32 a month. As in many other states, the water infrastructure in Rhode Island is in need of an update. Water service providers were not able to raise costs during the pandemic, leaving them in debt due to the costs of construction, renovation, and repairs. These costs will now be transferred to consumers.

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South Carolina

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$33

Ranked in the US

#25

$0.1 per kWh

↑ 1.01%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#28

South Carolina ranks twenty-fifth in the United States in terms of water prices. The average monthly water bill in South Carolina is $33. Water service providers in the state have not been immune to the effects of nationwide inflation. In addition, the state’s water infrastructure needs to be updated. To offset those costs, consumer water prices are expected to go up.

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South Dakota

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$26

Ranked in the US

#43

$0.1 per kWh

↓ 1.89%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#24

South Dakota ranks in the bottom ten states in terms of water prices. With an average monthly water bill of $26, the state ranks forty-third. Most South Dakotans get their drinking water from groundwater. Though the state has many natural bodies of water, a large percentage of that water is impaired. Cleaning contaminants out of water is relatively expensive.

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Tennessee

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$43

Ranked in the US

#14

$0.1 per kWh

↑ 3.16%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#32

Tennessee has an average monthly water bill of $43 ranking the state fourteenth in the nation. states. Rate increases were put off during the pandemic, but as a result, so were improvement projects. These projects are slowly getting up and running again and it will likely impact consumers’ bills.

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Texas

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$37

Ranked in the US

#20

$0.09 per kWh

↑ 8.33%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#39

Texas ranks twentieth with an average water bill of $37 a month. Texas’s population is increasing rapidly and lawmakers are coming up with plans to ensure they will be able to continue to provide enough safe water to all its residents. This is especially challenging given the increasing impact of droughts and the decline of water stored in reservoirs.

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Utah

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$38

Ranked in the US

#19

$0.08 per kWh

- 0%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#49

The average water bill in Utah is $38 a month ranking the state nineteenth. In Utah, consumers do not pay for water based on the amount they use. Instead, water is paid for through property taxes which has kept prices low for Utahns.

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Vermont

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$18

Ranked in the US

#49

$0.16 per kWh

- 0%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#8

Vermont ranks forty-ninth in terms of water prices, with an average monthly water bill of $18. To balance out less usage and an increase in costs, water service providers in Vermont are looking to up their water prices. This will translate into higher bills for consumers, even if they are consciously using less water.

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Virginia

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$36

Ranked in the US

#21

$0.09 per kWh

↓ 1.09%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#40

The average water bill in Virginia is $36 a month, ranking the state twenty-first out of fifty states. Water prices are expected to rise for Virginia’s residents. Some of their current water infrastructures need to be repaired or replaced and construction of new infrastructure is necessary to keep the overall system futureproof. These costs will - at least in part - be covered by higher prices for consumers.

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Washington

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$75

Ranked in the US

#4

$0.09 per kWh

↑ 6.02%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#45

The average water bill in Washington is $75 a month and ranks fourth in terms of water prices. Yet the high prices do not necessarily mean high quality. The state has plenty of natural water resources and the eco-conscious larger cities have decent-quality water. However, that is not the case for all the state’s rural communities, which have some of the most toxic water in the country.

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West Virginia

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$91

Ranked in the US

#1

$0.09 per kWh

↑ 1.14%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#42

West Virginia has the most expensive water prices in the US. Their average water bill is $91 a month. This has to do with the state’s terrain and complex water system. Those systems could be improved, but that also costs money - which could mean even higher costs for consumers.

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Wisconsin

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$18

Ranked in the US

#50

$0.11 per kWh

↑ 1.85%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#16

Wisconsin has the cheapest water in the United States. At $18 a month, they rank fiftieth. About a quarter of the state’s population gets their drinking water from over 800,000 private wells. The state also has abundant water resources, including thousands of lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers.

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Wyoming

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$53

Ranked in the US

#10

$0.08 per kWh

- 0%

Vs 2020

Ranked in the US

#50

The average water bill in Wyoming is $53 a month and the state ranks tenth out of fifty states. These prices are only expected to rise further. Consumers have been using less water, but the water infrastructure is damaged and in desperate need of repair and updating. To offset those costs, consumers’ water bills could go up.

Average Water Bill

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FAQs

Where in the US is water the cheapest?

The states with the cheapest water prices are Vermont and Wisconsin, with an average water bill of $18.

Which state has the highest average water bill?

The state with the highest water bill is West Virginia, with an average bill of $91.

Which states have the highest water prices in the US?

The ten states with the highest water bills in the US are West Virginia, California, Oregon, Washington, New Jersey, Connecticut, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Wyoming.

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