Climate Change Drives Rising Water Costs Across the U.S.
Climate change is significantly impacting water costs in the U.S., with prices rising twice as fast as inflation. In Corpus Christi, Texas, reservoirs have dropped to a tenth of their capacity, prompting the city to invest nearly half a billion dollars in new water sources. This has led to a projected doubling of water rates for residents. Across the country, utilities are facing increased costs due to extreme weather, such as droughts and storms, which damage infrastructure and necessitate expensive repairs. The rising costs are reflected in residents' bills, with water, sewer, and trash collection services increasing more than twice the rate of the overall consumer price index.