Rīga residents will have to pay more for water - the new water services tariff project submitted by Rīgas ūdens foresees that water charges could increase by 14%. For a household in an apartment building, the cost could rise by approximately €2.60 per month, Latvian Television reported on Tuesday, 30 September.

From 1 December this year, Rīga Water's (Rīgas ūdens) water tariff is expected to increase by 33 cents per cubic metre. This means that Rīga residents will have to pay about 14% more for water supply and sewerage than before. Rīga Water explains this as a result of network renewal needs.

"More than 30% of our networks were already worn out, but they are still in working order and serve Rīga Water. Consequently, it was necessary to re-evaluate these networks and determine their lifetime," said Krišjānis Krūmiņš, Chairman of the Board of the company.

The company has calculated that the cost for a household living in an apartment building could increase by €2.60 per month. Shortly before the proposed tariff was presented to the Housing and Environment Committee of the Rīga City Council, Latvian Television asked the councillors for their views on it.

"I will not deny that the increase in the cost of all utilities is a huge burden for households, and we have also spoken to Rīga Water about the future outlook. What are their objectives? They have promised to keep the value of water services to households at one per cent of total household expenditure at all times," said Committee Chair Elina Treija (National Alliance).

"I think that the increase is not justified, because we see it this year in both Rīga Heat and Rīga Water, as well as in waste management, which is lower in percentage terms and is probably based on contractual conditions," said councillor Vladislavs Bartaševičs (Latvia First).

The residents interviewed are divided on the tariff increase.

"I am probably in favour here, because if it is more about getting quality water that we can drink from the tap, then I am ready to pay the 2.60 extra."

"I was thinking how I could make an impact. It's hard for me to say because water is more expensive. Everything is already more expensive. Well, it's going to be harder. Especially for pensioners who have smaller pensions."

"Absolutely not! People are already gone. I already know how young people live. It's very difficult."

The draft tariff changes have been submitted to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission, which is currently assessing them.