Water Bills Are going to Increase Considerably Higher

The percentage of U.S. households who find their water bills unaffordable could triple over the next five years, growing from 11.9% to 35.6 %, as outlined by a new study by the Michigan State University.

Further complicating the issue, water utility companies may face a surge in defaulting bills that will make it more difficult for them to cover their own costs, that could result in even higher bills to customers then.Water costs have surged 41% since 2010. If costs continue to escalate, 1/3 of the population won’t be able to afford their water bills in five years, according to the study.

“Governments, utilities, and consumers will need to work together to solve a growing affordability problem,” says Elizabeth Mack, lead author of the study.

Water and wastewater services shouldn’t cost more than 4.5 % of a household’s income, according to EPA. Higher water bill prices and reduced incomes can put many markets at risk. As an example, Mississippi is one such state considered in the high-risk category since many families earn less than $32,000, says Mack. Other southern states will also be at elevated risk.

In a few areas, shrinking populations have meant higher bills for others. Up to 50 % of the water bill accounts in Philadelphia — 227,000 customers — are delinquent on their bills. In Detroit, 50,000 individuals have had their water service terminated since 2014.

We know we have even seen out bill creeping up here in Tampa. Which in turn prompted us to have our sprinkler company come out and check the system. We do not want a leak in the system to cause an increase in our bill. If you have any suggestions or information you would like to share, please feel free to comment here