Water bills across the United States have climbed 62% over the past decade, according to a new study, adding another significant expense to household budgets.

The increase is more than double the rise in grocery prices during the same period, highlighting how the cost of basic household necessities has continued to grow beyond the supermarket.

The higher bills reflect rising costs for maintaining and replacing aging water infrastructure, as well as increased expenses associated with treatment, labor, energy and other services needed to deliver clean water and manage wastewater.

Unlike many household purchases, water service is difficult for consumers to reduce significantly when prices rise. Families still need water for drinking, cooking, bathing, laundry and other basic needs.

The findings add to broader concerns about the growing cost of essential services for American households. While inflation has eased from its peak, many of the higher prices consumers encountered in recent years have remained in place, leaving families paying substantially more for everyday necessities than they did a decade ago.

The study's findings also underscore the financial pressure facing local governments and water utilities as they attempt to fund infrastructure upgrades while keeping systems operational.