Here’s a twist: the water itself is cheap. Really cheap.
It’s the treatment that costs a fortune. Removing algae, pesticides, and microplastics takes energy. And energy prices are soaring.
One plant in Nevada uses chlorine and ozone to kill bacteria. Ozone is made by zapping oxygen with electricity. That’s a lot of electricity for water you use to brush your teeth.
Your bill includes the cost of making water “safe.” And safety isn’t cheap. But neither is a parasite.
Fun Fact: You Spend More on Water Than on Your Phone Plan
The average family pays about $500 a year for water. That’s less than $1.50 a day. Less than a fancy coffee.
But that number is climbing. In some cities, it’s now $1,000 a year. Still less than a car payment. But still a shocker.
Why do we care? Because water is a right, not a luxury. Watching the bill rise feels personal.
