PARK RIDGE, NJ, Oct. 17, 2005 (PRNewswire) -- The annual water survey conducted by the NUS Consulting Group found the average price of water in the United States climbed by 3.5% for the period of July 1, 2004 to July 1, 2005. The survey, which includes 51 water systems located throughout the country, revealed the highest price paid was in Huntington, W.V., at $5.49 per one thousand gallons (MGal) while residents in Greenville, Miss., enjoyed the lowest price for water at $0.80 per MGal. The average U.S. cost of water was $2.34 per MGal. Including related sewer costs, the survey also found that the national average rose to $5.78 per MGal -- an increase of 5.3% from July 2004.
Some of the more notable increases in water prices were observed in San Francisco (+14.8%), Denver, Colo. (+13.7%), Hartford, Conn. (+12.7%), Greensboro, N.C. (+12.7%), and Newport, N.H. (+10.0%). Most of the increases were attributable to maintenance and construction costs, as these cities struggle to upgrade and maintain aging water and sewer infrastructures.
"While the increase in water prices may seem insignificant in comparison to the recent rise in other energy costs, it should be pointed out that increased water and related sewer costs occur, without fail, year after year," remarked Richard Soultanian, co-president of NUS Consulting Group.
"Businesses need to pay careful attention to their water costs as this commodity has the potential for significant increases in the future. Aging water systems coupled with ever stricter Government regulations will have consumers paying more which in turn could have a negative impact on many business operations."
NUS Consulting Group (www.nusconsulting.com) is the world's leader in energy and telecommunications consulting services. Employing over 650 individuals in 11 countries, the company provides innovative and cost-effective expertise for its clients. Privately held since 1933, the company has redirected more than $4 billion in energy and telecommunication savings from utilities to its clients.
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