After energy, raw materials, food products, inflation spares no water. Since January 1, 2023, depending on the municipalities, the rates have increased and in some cases, in significant proportions.
Currently, the cubic meter costs an average of 4.14 euros with prices ranging from 3 euros to more than 6 depending on hisses, the National Observatory of Water and Sanitation Services. A household of 3 people consumes approximately 120m3 of water per year, that is, an average bill of 496.80 euros.
Depending on the municipalities, the rates sometimes go from single to double. According to Selectrathese prices per cubic meter always reach 3.05 euros in Tours (Indre-et-Loire) but rise to 4.50 euros in Hennebont (Morbihan), or even 6.53 euros in Yport (Seine-Maritime).
Increases of up to 20%
The prices -which include drinking water and sanitation- are set by each municipality by deliberation of the municipal council. At the end of the year, water unions and municipal councils voted for price increases that could go as high as 15% or even 20% depending on the region. The communes of Brittany, Normandy, but also some departments of the Hauts-de-France such as Picardy or Nord-Pas-de-Calais registered the largest increases.
According to information from Parisian, will reach, for example, 11% in Thouars (Deux-Sèvres), 9.5% in Roubaix (North) or even 10% on average in Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme). In Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes), the increase could be 13%, or an additional 5 euros per month for a family of 4 people.
These increases in the price of water are the result of an inflationary situation that spares no budget items. Remediation is an energy intensive step that, depending on the treatment required, requires more or less electricity. The more water must be treated to make it fit for consumption, the more sanitation fees rise. The cost of chlorine, for example, has risen sharply. The increase would also be related to work on water pipes that must be maintained or replaced in many regions.
Other factors contribute to these price increases, in particular the increase in distribution costs but also in availability, which will fall in 2022 after long periods of drought.
This situation generated a shortage of drinking water during the summer in several regions, which imposed saving measures. As of November 2022, 48 departments were still affected by restrictions, 23 of which are in crisis according to data from the Ministry of Ecological Transition. In addition, 10 departments were placed on alert. Only 38 departments had no restrictions.
If the bill rises for individuals, it could explode among professionals. Agriculture, which is the main water consuming activity with 45% of the total, ahead of cooling power plants (31%). Drinking water represents 21% of consumption.
How to reduce the bill? By saving water
The councils wait without believing too much in state aid to lower the bill. Meanwhile, some advocate cost-saving measures.
For example, it is recommended:
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are completely full.
• prefer showers to baths. A bathroom consumes between 150 and 200 liters of water, compared to 60 liters for a 4-minute shower.
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or washing your hands. The savings can reach up to 40 liters of water per month.
• collect rainwater for cleaning or watering outdoors
• always use Eco mode with electrical appliances.
Source: BFM TV
