Water and Sewer Bill Inflation: BLS CUSR0000SEHG01 (2015–2026)
BLS CPI Water and Sewerage Maintenance (series CUSR0000SEHG01), U.S. City Average — January snapshots through 2025; latest 2026 month shown.
Last updated: · Data through July 2026
CUSR0000SEHG01 was 763.7 in July 2026 — up 36% from its January 2019 level of 560.
Then
2019
560
Now
2026
764
Change
2019–2026
+36%
↑ Rising
The Water Index: 2015–2026
CPI Water and Sewerage Maintenance, U.S. City Average, seasonally adjusted (1982–84 = 100)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS series CUSR0000SEHG01)keepingupwithinflation.com
Historical Datakeepingupwithinflation.com
| Year | Index | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 482.90 | — |
| 2016 | 503.90 | +4.3% |
| 2017 | 525.10 | +4.2% |
| 2018 | 542.50 | +3.3% |
| 2019 | 560.10 | +3.2% |
| 2020 | 577.40 | +3.1% |
| 2021 | 596.20 | +3.3% |
| 2022 | 620.50 | +4.1% |
| 2023 | 646.60 | +4.2% |
| 2024 | 680.50 | +5.2% |
| 2025 | 712.50 | +4.7% |
| 2026 | 763.70 | +7.2% |
Analysis
Water and sewer costs rose 36% from January 2019 (560.1) to July 2026 (763.7), faster than overall CPI over the same span. The BLS Water and Sewerage Maintenance index (series CUSR0000SEHG01) tracks what urban consumers pay for water supply, sewerage, and related services.
Unlike electricity or gas, water prices do not swing with global commodity markets. They are driven by local infrastructure: aging pipes, treatment plant upgrades, regulatory requirements, and municipal budget pressures.
Chart values through 2025 are January snapshots; 2026 is the latest available month (July). Updated August 15, 2026.