New Hampshire water systems recorded the largest average household water rate increases in the country over the past decade, according to a national report that raises affordability questions for Sullivan County ratepayers.
Water bills at the New Hampshire systems studied climbed an average of 177% between 2015 and 2025, according to an October report from the nonprofit Food & Water Watch. That topped Oregon (114%) and West Virginia (95%) for the steepest state-level increases among systems analyzed.
Nationally, the average community water system in the study raised household bills by 62%. The report found that water costs increased faster than household incomes in New Hampshire and several other states.
That gap matters locally. U.S. Census Bureau estimates published by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis show Sullivan County's median household income rose from $57,142 in 2014 to $88,661 in 2024. That represents an increase of about 55%.
The water report did not break out billing data for smaller systems such as Claremont's. It examined the nation's 500 largest community water systems, serving a combined 155 million people.
New Hampshire's largest system, Manchester Water Works, saw its debt payments rise 75% from 2015 to 2023, the report said. Its water treatment chemical costs increased 143% over the same period.
What's driving the increases
Food & Water Watch pointed to aging pipes, rising treatment costs and declining federal financial support.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that drinking water systems nationwide need $625 billion in upgrades over the next two decades. The American Water Works Association estimated the need at approximately $960 billion.
The report noted that a five-year infusion of water infrastructure funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 ended in fiscal year 2026.
The organization also warned that the cost of replacing aging infrastructure and meeting water quality requirements could place additional financial pressure on utilities and ratepayers.
The report assessed bills for typical household water consumption, using an annual estimate of 60,000 gallons. Its findings do not establish how much every New Hampshire household pays or how much rates have changed at individual Sullivan County utilities.
Local systems face similar pressures
Claremont's Water Department, which draws surface water from Whitewater Reservoir, Rice Reservoir and the Sugar River, acknowledged the challenges of aging infrastructure in its 2026 Consumer Confidence Report.
The department repaired 15 water main breaks in 2025. It also replaced water services containing lead lines or joints at at least 15 homes or businesses.
Claremont continued replacing water mains along North and Main streets. The department reported additional maintenance involving valves, hydrants and other parts of the distribution system.
Those investments and ongoing operating costs are supported by water user fees, according to the department.
In Newport, water rates have remained unchanged since July 2019, according to the town's published water and sewer rate schedule.
The current water charge is $9.41 per 1,000 gallons. Sewer service is billed separately, with a rate of $23.10 per 1,000 gallons.
Newport officials also reviewed water rate modeling during an Oct. 5 Board of Selectmen meeting. A MeetingWatch summary of the proceedings described possible future rate increases, but said the board made no immediate decision.
Additional financial modeling was requested before further consideration of potential changes.
The national report provides a broader picture of rising drinking water costs. For Sullivan County residents, the financial impact will also depend on local utility rates, infrastructure needs and decisions made by municipal officials.
