Los Angeles County, CA — September 15, 2025: Water bills in Los Angeles County are increasing at a pace that outstrips inflation, according to new research released by UCLA. The findings raise concerns about affordability and the long-term sustainability of water services in Southern California.
Researchers examined utility billing data over several years and found that households are paying substantially more for water than they did a decade ago, with rate hikes outpacing the growth of wages and consumer prices. For many families, especially those with low or fixed incomes, the rising costs have created significant financial pressure.
The study also highlighted uneven impacts across neighborhoods. Communities with older infrastructure and higher maintenance costs tend to experience sharper increases in water bills, leaving disadvantaged households struggling the most. Advocates warn that this trend could deepen inequalities if solutions are not prioritized…