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Typical household drinking-water bills rose 62% from 2015 to 2025 across the systems in a new Food & Water Watch analysis. The study’s 2025 comparison assumes annual use of 60,000 gallons; it measures drinking-water rates, not every household’s combined water, sewer and stormwater bill.
What the 62% increase measures
Food & Water Watch’s 2026 study examined rates at 500 of the largest community water systems, which it says serve 155 million people, or 45% of the U.S. population. The decade change is calculated for the 452 systems included in both the 2015 and 2025 surveys. The study is not a census of all U.S. utilities or household bills. Food & Water Watch’s study and map present system-level rate comparisons.
For its standardized household scenario, the study assumes 60,000 gallons of indoor water use per year—50 gallons per person per day—and a 5/8-inch meter or the smallest available meter. Its 2025 calculations use rate schedules collected for December 2025 and include applicable recurring fees, surcharges, taxes, and shared fixed water/sewer charges apportioned to water service. They exclude one-time fees, wastewater rates and stormwater rates; seasonal rates are averaged where applicable. Those assumptions make the systems easier to compare, but they will not match every household’s usage, meter or bill.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The sample changed between surveys partly because service populations changed; consolidations and territories added to the newer analysis also affected coverage. For example, Flint was outside the 2025 top-500 selection after its service population declined. The 62% result therefore describes the matched systems, not a fixed set of every U.S. water customer.
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- Feature-Rich App: Receive instant push notifications. Use the “Find Device” feature to quickly trigger audible beeps to retrieve misplaced sensors. Add multiple email addresses through the APP, and your family and friends can also receive reminders when there is a water leak at home.
- Industry Leading IP67 Waterproof: Its IP67 waterproof rating ensures durability against spills, humidity, and accidental submersion.It can be used multiple times after wiping dry.
- Four-level volume adjustment: Customize your own alarm to fit your life! Use the app to adjust the volume in 4 levels, with a maximum alarm volume of 105 decibels. Whether it's day or night, whether it's in the bedroom or the basement, you can find the right volume.
Where the study found the highest and lowest bills
Under the study’s 60,000-gallon annual scenario, the average 2025 drinking-water bill was $531. The reported system-level range ran from $133 in Hempstead, New York, to $1,416 in San Jose, California. These are results for the study’s standardized usage and rate method—not claims that every customer in either place pays that amount.
At the state level, the three largest analyzed systems in Idaho averaged $286 annually, while the two largest analyzed systems in West Virginia averaged $1,383. These comparisons cover only the named systems and the study’s drinking-water scenario, not all utilities or all-in household water and sewer costs in either state.
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- Breakthrough 1804 ft Connectivity: Engineered with advanced Sub-1G long-range wireless tech, our leak detector maintains robust signals over unprecedented distances—reaching up to 1804 feet even through 5 dense walls. Secure every critical space in expansive properties, from deep basements to detached garages and distant outbuildings.
- Multiple Reminder Methods: Our water leak sensor supports multiple remote alarm. It can instantly send SMS, APP, and Email notifications to your phone (no matter how many times the SMS is used, it's free). Also, the water leak sensor flashes red and sounds a 105 dB alarm. Perfect for the basement, kitchen, or vacation home!
- Feature-Rich App: Receive instant push notifications. Use the “Find Device” feature to quickly trigger audible beeps to retrieve misplaced sensors. Add multiple email addresses through the APP, and your family and friends can also receive reminders when there is a water leak at home.
- Industry Leading IP67 Waterproof: Its IP67 waterproof rating ensures durability against spills, humidity, and accidental submersion.It can be used multiple times after wiping dry.
- Four-level volume adjustment: Customize your own alarm to fit your life! Use the app to adjust the volume in 4 levels, with a maximum alarm volume of 105 decibels. Whether it's day or night, whether it's in the bedroom or the basement, you can find the right volume.
The Food & Water Watch map displays its system comparisons. For the underlying assumptions and numbers, consult the report’s methodology and tables; the interactive map requires JavaScript.
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Food & Water Watch reports an average 2025 annual bill of $823 for corporate-owned systems in its dataset, compared with $494 for publicly owned systems. That is a $329, or 67%, difference. The study also reports that bills rose 67% at corporate systems from 2015 to 2025, compared with 62% at public systems.
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These are averages within the analyzed systems, not evidence that ownership alone caused the gap. Local operating costs, water sources, infrastructure needs and other system characteristics can differ. The figures are most useful as a description of this dataset, not as a prediction of what a particular utility would charge under different ownership.
How the study defines water affordability
Food & Water Watch says 93% of the analyzed systems exceeded its low-income affordability threshold for the lowest-income quintile. For this calculation, the organization treated drinking-water bills alone exceeding 1.5% of income as a high burden. It reported especially high burdens in Puerto Rico and West Virginia. This is the study’s chosen threshold and system-level calculation, not a universal federal definition of unaffordability.
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- Long Lasting Power Supply: Comes with 10 durable AAA batteries for ultra-long standby use, no frequent battery replacement needed. It will sound an alarm and flash red LED once water leakage is detected. Built-in low battery reminder with red flashing light reminds you to replace batteries in time for uninterrupted leak monitoring.
- 0-120dB Adjustable Volume & Silent Mode: Support 4 adjustable volume levels from 0dB mute mode up to 120dB super loud alarm. Long press the TEST button freely switch volume as needed. You can easily mute the alarm after finding water leakage, when you at bedroom, kitchen and quiet living scenes.
- IP67 Full Waterproof & Dustproof: Built to withstand harsh conditions, this water sensor alarm leak detector is fully waterproof (IP67-rated allow short term immersion in water) and resistant to dust, Its durable structure and rust-resistant coating allow for long-term use, ideal for basements, laundry room, under kitchen sink,water pipe, beside the bathtub and washing machine.
- Easy Place Installation: No complicated wiring or extra tools required. Simply place the water sensor alarm in leak-prone areas, it will start 24-hour all-round automatic monitoring right away.
EPA’s 2024 Water Affordability Needs Assessment estimated that 12.1 million to 19.2 million U.S. households lack affordable access to water services, with annual unaffordable bills estimated at $5.1 billion to $8.8 billion. EPA considered combined water and wastewater burdens and used 3% and 4.5% thresholds after reviewing existing literature; it says no single definition of water affordability applies everywhere. EPA’s household estimate is broader in service scope and a different measure, so it should not be treated as a direct confirmation of Food & Water Watch’s drinking-water-only percentage. See the EPA Water Affordability Needs Assessment.
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Why your own water bill may differ
A household’s charge depends on its location, consumption, the utility’s billing structure, and the costs of operating and maintaining infrastructure, according to EPA’s WaterSense consumer guidance. Household size, outdoor watering, leaks and inefficient fixtures can affect usage. In a metered or usage-sensitive plan, using less may lower the variable part of a bill. A flat fee does not necessarily fall when consumption does, and conservation cannot undo a rate increase or eliminate fixed charges.
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- Note: The sensor cannot be directly added to the app and a GoveeLife H5044 gateway is required(not compatible with H5040/H5043 gateway). With the kit "BB0DQLDBXWF", you can remotely monitor water leaks via your phone. "B0DQLDBXWF" is not included in the package.
- Ultra-Sensitive Detection: Equipped with 2 sets of sensor probes, ensuring early detection for basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and near appliances like dishwashers, water heaters, or washing machines. Protect your property from costly damage.
- Loud Alarm Sound With Customizable Volume: Maximize safety with a 105dB audible alarm that alerts you instantly to water threats. Customize alerts to 4 adjustable volume settings—ideal for quiet homes or noisy environments.
- 5 Years of Hassle-Free Operation: The water leak detector enjoys long-term protection with a built-in battery that lasts 5 years—no frequent replacements needed.
- IP67 Waterproof & Durable Design: Built to withstand harsh conditions, the water sensor with an IP67 waterproof rating ensures reliable performance in damp areas like under sinks, laundry rooms, or near sump pumps.
Compare your bill with the utility’s current rate schedule rather than assuming the map’s standardized total applies to you. Check the billing period, meter size, usage tier and recurring fees, and separate drinking-water charges from sewer and stormwater charges. EPA recommends contacting the utility about customer assistance programs, discounts, special rates or payment plans if you cannot pay. Its Water Infrastructure and Capacity Assessment Tool is a separate screening map for utilities that may benefit from technical assistance; EPA advises checking potential needs against local information.
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