Inflation has been a hot topic recently. Although utility rates may not immediately come to mind, they have increased at a rate higher than historical inflation values. It’s true – the average water and wastewater charge for 6,000 gallons from 2002 to 2026 climbed at a higher rate based on the Consumer Price Index for … Read more
The 2026 AE2S Nexus Utility Rate Survey booklets are currently out for delivery. The 2026 survey marks the 25th anniversary of this effort, and contains charts of water, wastewater, and stormwater rates, as well as a Total Utility Bill that includes water, wastewater, and stormwater. Since each community faces different challenges, it is often useful … Read more
Distribution of the 25th Edition of the AE2S Nexus Annual Utility Rate Survey is underway! Here is a preliminary look at the results to help you understand how your rates compare to those of your peers. Results can be useful to systems as budgets are finalized and 2027 rates are set, by providing a regional … Read more
More funding is on the way to U.S. states and territories to reduce lead in drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recently announced $2.875 billion in funding to protect Americans from exposure to lead. The investment will be dispersed through the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF). Communities can use the funds for identifying lead … Read more
A report by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) found U.S. drinking water infrastructure and other critical needs will require infrastructure investments of $2.1 to $2.4 trillion over the next 25 years. The AWWA says its report, Beyond the Replacement Era: Balancing Compounding Infrastructure Needs with Household Affordability, provides the most comprehensive assessment to date … Read more
Let’s talk utility rates, trends, and strategy! The 25th edition of the AE2S Annual Rate Survey is now open. Join hundreds of others by participating in the 2026 Utility Rate Survey for a holistic look at your position compared with peer utilities and what the numbers tell you when it comes to water, wastewater, stormwater, … Read more