Chicago

In Chicago, the 2018 average water bill was $40/month. In comparison to other essential costs, (i.e. transportation, housing) the water bill is not particularly burdensome, as the other essentials total over $2000/month. The water bill has increased by 79% since 2008. I imagine this is due in part to the need to replace old piping from the previous century to comply with new safety standards.

Water bill growth has far outpaced income growth, which in the previous decade grew only 27%. In order for a low income household to work off their water bill, they must work 11 hours.