Clean Water Current

NACWA’s 2016 Cost of Clean Water Index report indicates that for the 15th consecutive year, the increase in the cost of sewer services nationally has outpaced the rate of inflation.  The average cost of wastewater services rose 2.6 percent in 2016, double the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for the year. The national average amount that a single-family residence pays for wastewater collection and treatment is now $479 per year.

As always, in addition to the national-level information, the Index report includes breakdowns by EPA region as well, underscoring the variation in the cost of clean water service across the country. Water affordability concerns continue to mount and the Index provides valuable information for NACWA’s advocacy efforts and for its members as they seek to evaluate trends in the cost of clean water annually.  Many thanks to those NACWA members who completed the survey.