Map Shows States Where People Could See Water Bills Increase

A map created by Newsweek reveals the two new states where residents could be impacted by rising water bills.

Various municipalities in several states have recently considered an increase in water bills for a variety of reasons, ranging from new nanofiltration systems to reduce the levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, to less water storage in reservoirs due to damaged dams. Now, New Mexico and Pennsylvania officials are considering increases to water and sewer bills for their own reasons, with customers potentially seeing the jump as soon as July.

Earlier this month, the Philadelphia Water Department proposed an increase of approximately $5 on its customers' monthly water bills in order to cover the costs of expanding the Tiered Assistance Program, a program that aids residents with low income, according to a report by PBS WHYY. Enrollment is growing in the program, which is increasing costs for other customers who don't need assistance.

"The number of people enrolled in [the Tiered Assistance Program] is finally getting up to where it was meant to be," Water Department spokesperson Brian Rademaekers said according to the report. "But that sort of comes with a cost."

Newsweek reached out to the Philadelphia Water Department by email for comment.

Approximately 21,000 Philadelphia residents utilize the program each month, PBS WHYY reported. Under the program, their water bills are capped at 2 to 4 percent of their monthly household income.

If the increase is approved, it could take effect this fall.

In Albuquerque, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority will vote on a 12 percent adjustment in water and sewer rates at a May 8 meeting. Officials are citing an increase in fuel, power and chemical costs as the reason behind the surge.

"Operational costs have risen significantly," governing board chair Eric Olivas said in a statement. "...Construction costs are running as much as 70% higher than anticipated in some cases."

Newsweek reached out to the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority by email for comment.

For the average family, their monthly bill might jump by approximately $6, the Albuquerque Journal reported. If the rates are approved, they will take effect in July.

The two proposals come after similar increases were approved or proposed in California and Florida. Last week, the San Dieguito Water District Board in California approved an increase that will take effect over the next three years, just a week after the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) passed a budget that solidified rate and property tax increases for its customers over the next two years.

In Broward County, Florida, some residents could see their water bills triple if county commissioners approve two new water treatment plants. the average monthly water bill for a resident utilizing Broward County water services is $30 for 5,000 gallons of water. If the new treatment plants are approved, that rate could jump to $60 to $90 per month for the same amount of water.