Tariff increases accelerate at record-breaking levels as utilities invest in resilience

The average increase in combined water, wastewater and stormwater bill between July 2023 and July 2024 was the highest ever recorded in the GWI Water Tariff Survey, standing at a whopping 10.7%. This figure is calculated using tariff data from 616 cities worldwide, based on a monthly consumption of 15m3 per month.

Bouncing back after stagnation

Although this figure is partly driven by unusually high increases in Argentina, it still reflects a broader trend worldwide of rising water tariffs buoyed by a perfect storm of rising costs, overdue upgrades, necessary expansions and climate change.

Water tariff increases plateaued somewhat in the early 2020s: many utilities put off increasing tariffs during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some utilities even reducing rates or making water free for a time. But if rates stagnated for a few years between 2020 and 2022, they are now firmly back on track in 2024.

Utilities seem to be making up for lost time (and revenue), with average increases in many regions beating GWI Water Tariff Survey records. Although inflation rates have started coming down worldwide thanks to action from central banks, many utilities are still feeling the effect of higher prices, particularly of energy, on their operations.

Map of global increases 2023-2024

[Source: GWI]

To read further analysis of this years' tariffs, click the link: https://www.globalwaterintel.com/documents/tariff-survey-2024

The Global Water Tariff Survey is conducted by Global Water Intelligence, alongside its Tariff Survey Partner: Almar Water Solutions.

It contains detailed water, wastewater & stormwater tariff profiles for 616 cities in 190 countries, providing water sector professionals with all of the key tools needed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the value of water around the globe.