U.S. Water Bills Up 62% in a Decade, Study Finds

“The study blames for-profit water companies, federal cuts and climate pressure. I've seen cheaper water in a country that asked me to leave.” — Gloria Vance, on air

On air: Chip Darnell and Gloria Vance on Europe Open
Published 5:10 AM ET, Tuesday, October 6, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The Guardian: “US households pay 62% more for water than they did a decade ago, study finds”, with reporting from The Guardian.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 5:10 AM ET on Europe Open, by Chip Darnell and Gloria Vance.
Topics: US.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The GuardianUS households pay 62% more for water than they did a decade ago, study finds
The GuardianI witnessed the Pinochet regime’s fall. It offers hope – and a warning – for the US | Ariel Dorfman

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorGood morning, America! The Guardian reports households pay sixty-two percent more for drinking water than a decade ago, per a Food and Water Watch study.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThat outpaces inflation, groceries and incomes, across the five hundred largest water systems. Our faucets are basically fancy bars now, folks!
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe study blames for-profit water companies, federal cuts and climate pressure. I've seen cheaper water in a country that asked me to leave.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe Guardian also runs an essay by Ariel Dorfman comparing the midterms to Chile in nineteen eighty-eight. That's an opinion piece, Chip.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorNoted, Gloria! Pricey water, angry neighbors and big midterm vibes. I'm going to go stand near a drive-through and think about it!