The price of water in Singapore will increase by about 18% over the next two years, starting from April 1, 2024. The current price of S$2.74 per 1,000 litres will go up to S$3.24. This increase is due to the need to cover operating costs and long-term investments in water infrastructure.
HDB households and non-HDB households can expect an average increase of S$7 and S$8 per month, respectively. The largest households, which consume more than 40 cubic metres a month, will see a higher increase in their bills.
PUB, the national water agency, said that the costs of producing and supplying water have increased substantially since 2017, due to external pressures. The increase in price will be split into two phases: S$0.20 on April 1, 2024 and S$0.30 on April 1, 2025.
Businesses and hawkers will also see a rise in their water bills, although three in four of them will see an increase of less than S$25 and S$15 a month, respectively.
PUB also announced that the price of NEWater, the treated reclaimed wastewater used mainly for industrial and air-conditioning cooling purposes, will increase by 17 cents per cubic metre. This increase will be implemented in two stages: 8 cents on April 1, 2024 and 9 cents on April 1, 2025.
The price of water hasn’t been increased since 2017, and before that, it was in 2000. The increase in price is aimed at covering operating costs, long-term investments in water infrastructure, and encouraging water conservation.