Water Bills Are Spiking at Double the Rate of Inflation
Your monthly water bill might be climbing faster than you realize. Water bills have been rising at twice the rate of inflation, with drought conditions particularly high in the third quarter of 2024. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience – it’s becoming a major budget buster for millions of households across the country.
The numbers are staggering when you break them down. In El Paso, monthly residential water bills increased by $3.54 in 2024 and by $9 the previous year, with customers paying about $220 more for water and sewer service in 2025 compared to 2022. That’s not a one-time fee – it’s a permanent increase that compounds every month.
Florida Families Face a Water Crisis by 2025
The Sunshine State is heading for a water shortage that could hit as early as next year. According to the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research, Florida could experience a water supply shortage as early as 2025, with severity expected to increase through 2040. This isn’t just about turning off sprinklers – it’s about fundamental changes to how much water costs.
The state’s budget reveals the scope of the problem. In the FY2024-25 general appropriations act, there were 281 water-related projects totaling $410.3 million. With an estimated population of 26.4 million people by 2040, this projected shortage will have an even larger impact on Florida households and the economy.
Your Energy Bill Gets Hit When Water Becomes Scarce
Water shortages don’t just affect your water bill – they ripple through your entire energy budget. A shower costs almost 33p for a 10-minute shower, and when water becomes scarce, utilities often implement tiered pricing that makes those daily showers much more expensive…