Bluefield Research delivers a data-driven analysis of drinking water and sewer rates for 50 of the largest U.S. cities, uncovering insights into how rising costs and infrastructure demands are shaping residential bills over time. This analysis emphasizes ratepayers as the cornerstone of funding municipal operating expenditures, showcasing the cascading effects of utility investments on U.S. households.
The U.S. water sector, encompassing approximately 50,000 community drinking water and 19,000 wastewater systems, faces mounting financial pressures. Aging infrastructure, urban growth, water quality regulations, and workforce challenges drive a continuous rise in operating (OPEX) and capital (CAPEX) expenditures, trickling down into escalating monthly bills for residents.
While national trends reveal a steady upward trajectory in rates, the unique circumstances of each utility—ranging from regional politics and climate impacts to consumer behaviors—amplify disparities in pricing. Long-term rate planning is further strained by localized factors such as economies of scale, reliance on groundwater or surface water, population density, poverty rates, and geographical nuances.
Amid this complexity, Bluefield Research underscores the critical need for innovative strategies to balance financial sustainability, equity, and resilience, ensuring the continued delivery of essential water services in the face of unprecedented challenges.
This Insight Report provides a detailed examination of the 2024 water and sewer utility rate landscape across 50 of the largest U.S. cities, offering insights into infrastructure investment trends, affordability challenges, and the 61 utilities serving approximately 20% of the U.S population.
