Copper tubing is an essential material used by the Macon Water Authority to install new water services, make repairs and renew aging service connections throughout the community.
MWA uses several sizes and types of copper to meet different field conditions. Based on recent average usage, MWA purchases approximately 10,880 feet of ¾-inch copper and 3,900 feet of 1-inch copper annually. Crews also use hundreds of feet of larger hard and soft copper tubing.
At current prices, MWA’s average annual copper material costs include:
- ¾-inch copper: $108,364.80
- 1-inch copper: $51,870
- 1½-inch hard and soft copper: $12,463.60
- 2-inch hard and soft copper: $18,020.40
Together, these materials cost approximately $190,718.80 per year.
Copper Costs Since 2020
The price of every copper size used by MWA has increased significantly:
- ¾-inch copper: 277% increase
- 1-inch copper: 235% increase
- 1½-inch hard copper: 254% increase
- 1½-inch soft copper: 314% increase
- 2-inch hard copper: 187% increase
- 2-inch rolled copper: 310% increase
The most frequently used size is ¾-inch copper. Its price increased from $2.64 per foot in 2020 to $9.96 per foot in 2026. With MWA using approximately 10,880 feet annually, that size alone now costs more than $108,000 per year.
Using current average quantities, the same amount of copper would have cost approximately $53,239 at 2020 prices. Today, it costs nearly $191,000—an increase of more than $137,000 for the material alone.
These totals do not include labor, equipment, fittings, pavement restoration or other materials required to complete an installation or repair.
Whether crews are connecting a new customer, repairing a damaged service or replacing aging infrastructure, copper is one of the many essential materials MWA must keep available to provide safe and reliable water service.
Media Contact
Rachad Hollis
Communications Specialist
Macon Water Authority
478-464-5600
rhollis@maconwater.org