Starting from November, a part of Ukrainians will have to pay more for water. This decision was made by the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NKREKP) in order to cover the increasing costs of water supply and sanitation services.
According to the new tariffs, the average price for water will increase by 15-20%. This means that households will have to pay an additional 50-100 hryvnias per month for their water consumption. The exact amount of the increase will depend on the region and the amount of water consumed.
The decision to raise water tariffs was met with mixed reactions from the public. Some people are concerned about the impact it will have on their already tight budgets, while others understand the need for the increase in order to improve the quality of water supply and sanitation services.
One of the main reasons for the increase in water tariffs is the rising cost of electricity, which is used to pump and purify water. The cost of electricity has increased by 30% in the past year, and this has had a significant impact on the overall cost of water supply and sanitation services. In addition, the cost of chemicals used for water treatment has also increased, further adding to the expenses.
The NKREKP has stated that the increase in tariffs is necessary in order to cover these rising costs and to ensure the sustainability of water supply and sanitation services. The commission has also emphasized that the new tariffs are still lower than the actual cost of providing these services, and the government will continue to subsidize a part of the expenses.
It is important to note that the increase in water tariffs will not affect all Ukrainians. The new tariffs will only apply to households that consume more than 150 cubic meters of water per month. This means that the majority of low-income families, who consume less water, will not be affected by the increase.
The government has also taken steps to mitigate the impact of the increase on vulnerable groups. The state budget for 2022 includes a subsidy program for low-income families, which will cover a part of their water expenses. In addition, the government is planning to introduce a social norm for water consumption, which will set a limit on the amount of water that can be consumed at a lower tariff.
The increase in water tariffs is also expected to have a positive impact on the quality of water supply and sanitation services. The additional funds will be used to upgrade and modernize the water infrastructure, which will lead to a more reliable and efficient water supply system. This will also help to reduce the amount of water lost due to leaks and improve the overall quality of water.
Moreover, the increase in tariffs will also encourage people to use water more responsibly. With the new tariffs, households will have to pay for the actual amount of water they consume, which will motivate them to conserve water and use it more efficiently.
In conclusion, while the increase in water tariffs may be a burden for some households, it is a necessary step in order to ensure the sustainability and improvement of water supply and sanitation services in Ukraine. The government is taking measures to mitigate the impact on vulnerable groups and the additional funds will be used to upgrade the water infrastructure, which will ultimately benefit all citizens. Let us all work together to use water responsibly and contribute to the development of our country’s water supply system.
