Average U.S. Water Costs Increase by 7.3%

PARK RIDGE, NJ, Sep 24 (MARKET WIRE) --
The annual survey conducted by the NUS Consulting Group found that the
average price of water in the United States soared by 7.3 percent for the
period ending July 1, 2008. The survey, which includes 51 water systems
located throughout the country, revealed the highest price paid was in
Boston, MA at $5.76 per one thousand gallons ("KGal") while consumers in
Savannah, GA enjoyed the lowest water price at $1.09 per KGal. The
average cost of water in 2008 for the U.S. was $2.81 per KGal. When
including related sewer charges, the survey found that the national
average price rose to $7.08 per KGal -- an increase of 6.8 percent from
July 2007. Since 2003, average surveyed water prices in the U.S. have
increased by nearly 30 percent.

More than two-thirds of the surveyed cities had increased their water
charges. Some of the more notable increases included New Orleans, LA
(+51.9%), St Louis, MO (+32.4%), Fort Smith, AR (+29.6%), Sioux Falls, SD
(+18.2%), Los Angeles, CA (+17.9%), Binghamton, NY (+16.6%), Kansas City,
MO (+16.3%), San Francisco, CA (+15.8%), Hackensack, NJ (+15.4%) and
Chicago, IL (+15.0%). Of the water systems surveyed, none reported a
decrease in pricing over the past year.

"With so much attention being paid to oil and gasoline markets, Americans
may neglect to notice the increases in their water charges," remarked
Richard Soultanian, co-president of NUS Consulting Group. "While U.S.
prices are considered modest by international comparison, this most
precious commodity is truly our sleeping giant in terms of cost impacting
each and every consumer."

Highest Water Cost (Per KGal) Highest Water & Sewer Cost (Per KGal)
1. Boston, MA $5.76 +5.6% 1. Seattle, WA $14.28 +5.1%
2. Huntington, WV $5.61 0.0% 2. Atlanta, GA $13.28 0.0%
3. Pittsburgh, PA $5.21 0.0% 3. Boston, MA $12.96 +5.6%
4. Newport, NH $4.86 0.0% 4. San Francisco, CA $12.76 +11.0%
5. San Francisco, CA $4.00 +15.8% 5. Portland, ME $11.67 +6.4%

Lowest Water Cost (Per KGal) Lowest Water & Sewer Cost (Per KGal)
1. Savannah, GA $1.09 +8.0% 1. Memphis, TN $2.43 +8.9%
2. Des Moines, IA $1.23 +2.8% 2. Chicago, IL $2.81 +15.6%
3. Biloxi, MS $1.26 0.0% 3. Greenville, MS $2.92 +6.3%
4. Greenville, MS $1.46 +14.0% 4. El Paso, TX $3.56 0.0%
5. Chicago, IL $1.53 +15.0% 5. Biloxi, MS $3.98 0.0%

NUS Consulting Group is the world's leader in energy and
telecommunications consulting services. Employing over 400 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.

Copyright 2008, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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