Water Prices by State

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The Cost of Water Across America

Water is a fundamental human need, yet its cost can vary significantly across the United States. From the arid landscapes of Arizona to the lush greenery of Vermont, the price of water reflects a complex interplay of factors, including local climate, infrastructure, population density, and state regulations.

In 2023, the average American household spent anywhere from $18 to $91 per month on their water bill, a range that underscores the vast disparities in water costs across the country. The states with the highest average water bills were West Virginia ($91), New Jersey ($72), and Washington ($75), while the states with the lowest average water bills were Wisconsin ($18), Vermont ($18), and North Carolina ($20).

Key findings from the data include:

  • The average water bill in the United States in 2023 was $39 per month.
  • West Virginia had the highest average water bill at $91 per month, followed by New Jersey at $72 per month, and Washington at $75 per month.
  • Wisconsin and Vermont had the lowest average water bills at $18 per month, followed by North Carolina at $20 per month.
  • The states with the largest increases in average water bills from 2022 to 2023 were Alaska, California, and Oregon, each seeing an increase of over 10%.
  • The states with the largest decreases in average water bills from 2022 to 2023 were Louisiana, Mississippi, and Nebraska, each seeing a decrease of over 5%.

Understanding the cost of water across the United States is crucial for policymakers, utility companies, and consumers alike. It allows us to identify trends, understand disparities, and work towards solutions that ensure everyone has access to affordable, clean water.

States With Highest Water Prices

When comparing water prices across the country, it is immediately apparent that some states have significantly higher charges than others. Topping the list with the highest water bill is West Virginia, where residents can expect to have an average monthly bill of $91. 

California comes in second, with an average water bill of $77 per month. Oregon, with a $76 per month average, closely follows. Washington is not far behind with a $75 average water bill.

Moving further east, New Jersey residents endure an average water bill of $72 per month. Heading back to the northeast, the folks in Connecticut manage an average bill of $69 per month. Although Alaska might not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about high water prices, the icy state snugly fits in the seventh place with a $68 average bill.

Rounding out our top 10 list, we have Arizona and Hawaii coming in at $64 and Wyoming at $53. 

The ten states with the highest water prices:

      1. West Virginia - $91 Water Bill

      2. California - $77 Water Bill

      3. Oregon - $76 Water Bill

      4. Washington - $75 Water Bill

      5. New Jersey - $72 Water Bill

      6. Connecticut - $69 Water Bill

      7. Alaska - $68 Water Bill

      8. Arizona - $64 Water Bill

      9. Hawaii - $64 Water Bill

      10. Wyoming - $53 Water Bill

In conclusion, water prices vary greatly in the United States, and it's clear that certain states experience much higher average monthly bills. It's essential to consider all living costs, such as utilities including water, when determining the real cost of living across different states.

States With Lowest Water Prices

The states that report the lowest water prices in their areas are Vermont, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Louisiana, Nebraska, Mississippi, Maine, Nevada, Arkansas, and South Dakota. Topping the list with the lowest average water bill per month are Vermont and Wisconsin, each reporting only $18. 

Following closely, North Carolina reports an average water bill of $20 per month. Louisiana is included in the lower end of this list too, with an average monthly water bill priced at $21. Nebraska and Mississippi both report an average water bill expense of $23 per month, setting them in the mid-range of the ten states with the most affordable water prices. Whereas, Maine's average monthly water bill is just a dollar more, standing at $24. 

Concluding this list, Nevada, Arkansas, and South Dakota all report the same average water bill, which is $26 per month. 

The ten states with the lowest water bill: 

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

Water Prices by State

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FAQs

What is the average cost of water for one person in the United States?

On average, the cost of a monthly water bill for one person in the US can vary, typically falling within the range of $20 to $100. 

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