Increases in Water, Wastewater Rates Outpacing Rise in Consumer Price Index

The American Water Works Association’s most recent Water and Wastewater Rate Survey is now available. The survey reveals that average increases in drinking water and wastewater charges continue to outpace the rise in the U.S. Consumer Price Index. Between the 2016 and 2018 surveys, charges increased 7.2% for water and 7.5% for wastewater. During the same span, the Consumer Price Index increased 4.6%. Between 1996 and 2018, charges increased 5.09% annually for water and 5.64% annually for wastewater. This compares to an annual 2.1% increase in the CPI over the same period. “Water rates need to be fair and equitable, and they