According to Israel Water Authority officials, the price of water went up as of January 1, 2019, by 4.12%.

The increase in the price of water is due to the significant increase in the quantity of desalinated water purchased from the desalination plants (due to the difficult condition of the natural water sources) and the significant expansion in the development of the water and sewage infrastructures in the national and urban water sector (Mekorot, municipal associations and sewage treatment plants). In addition, the updated tariff reflects the increase in electricity rates and updating the increase in the CPI (cost of living index).

Thus, it is clear that the updated tariff also includes the acceleration of investments to reduce the effects of drought in the region over the past five years.

Officials add, “It is important to emphasize that the rise in the rate comes after a continuous, real reduction of 30% in the average rate of water and sewage in the household sector over the past five years.

“At the same time, it is understood that the more water the water sector needs, the more it will be reflected in the tariff, as required by law.

“It is again emphasized that the next update of water tariffs as required will be done on July 1, 2019.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)