WATER PRICE. The cost of water will increase in many French municipalities in 2023. The soaring cost of energy for sanitation is particularly to blame.
[Updated on January 5, 2023 at 4:32 p.m.] After the announced increases in the price of electricity, gas, or even tobacco… Here is some news that should not delight many people. Indeed, the price of water will increase quite significantly in some French municipalities. Increases of up to 15 to 20% in certain regions, in particular due to the explosion in the cost of energy after the first clashes in Ukraine. De facto, the cost of cleaning up the water consumed in France has risen, and this rise is reflected in the taxpayer’s bill. In Clermont-Ferrand, for example, the bill will increase by 10% this year. A big blow for its population.
In the columns of Le Parisien, the president of the Anjou water union Thierry Gallard announced the color this Wednesday, January 4 in terms of investment to modernize the networks: “We have planned an investment plan of 107 million euros”. In Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes), still according to the Parisian, the increase in the price of water will reach 13% this year. An increase of up to 4.80 euros per m3, and an additional 65 euros for a household of 4 people. New bad news for French households, in this period of high inflation. The consumer price index reaches 5.9% in December 2022.
In France, the cubic meter of water is offered, on average, at 4.14 euros according to the National Observatory of Water and Sanitation Services (Sispea). This rate varies between 3 euros and 6 euros per m3 depending on your municipality of residence. For a couple with two children, the average water consumption amounts to 120m3 per year. In other words, an invoice of 497 euros.
The price of water is fixed by deliberation of the municipal council, in each French commune. In 2022, price increases of 15% or even 20% have been voted, enough to cast serious doubts on your water bill this year. In Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme), for example, the price of water should rise by 10%. The water unions and communities also voted an impressive increase of 11% in Thouars (Deux-Sèvres).
This worrying increase can firstly be explained by the economic context. Inflation remains at a high level, 5.9% in December 2022 year on year. Also, water purification requires a fairly large amount of electricity. Electricity which also sees its price soar, despite the extension of the tariff shield. Pumps, machinery used, chlorine and coal have seen their cost skyrocket by 10% to 30% this year. Previous drought episodes have also contributed to this increase in the cost of water, due to the lack of volume.
Several associations have already stepped up to stem this phenomenon of rising water prices. Their goal, to ask for help from the government to stop the bleeding and reduce the bill for the municipalities. Problem, the networks that manage water in France are not subject to the 2023 tariff shield, put in place by the State to contain the rise in the cost of energy.
The city of Paris has its own municipal drinking water supply. For all types of daily use, Paris water costs less than 0.004 euros per litre. As of January 1, 2023, the total price per cubic meter of water amounts to 3.84 euros per m3 including tax, excluding subscription. Despite the evolution of prices, water in Paris remains the cheapest in the metropolis.
Do you want to know the price of water near you and access the history of water bill prices in your municipality? Here are some examples to visualize the figures: water price in Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Rennes, Nantes, or even water price in Lille. You can also search for the city of your choice using the search bar above by typing in a name or postcode. Also check out our ranking of cities with the most expensive water.
