Residents of Prague are bracing for a notable increase in their water bills starting next year, with a year-on-year surge of 13% anticipated. The decision, approved by Prague councilors on Monday, will see water and sewerage rates climb to a total cost of 144.88 CZK per cubic meter, compared to the 128.18 CZK paid this year. The move aligns with a strategy, greenlit in February 2022, outlining an annual increase in water and sewerage rates by two percent above inflation until 2028.

Prague’s water management infrastructure falls under the purview of the city-owned company Pražská vodohospodářská společnost (PVS), leased to Pražské vodovody a kanalizace (PVK) until 2028. PVS is expected to collect approximately 3.55 billion CZK in rent next year, reflecting a year-on-year increase of about 584 million CZK.

The annual increase translates to approximately 56 CZK per month per person for all water management services, amounting to a yearly rise of 671 CZK per person. The socially bearable price of water, calculated by the sector authority for the capital city of Prague for 2024, is set at 235.47 CZK per cubic meter.

According to the approved document, the price for water and sewerage remains below the socially bearable limit in Prague. The per-liter cost of produced and delivered drinking water, inclusive of subsequent disposal and ecological cleaning, remains under 15 healers.

The year-on-year increase is also reflective of the water infrastructure rent paid by PVK to PVS, which will rise to approximately 3.55 billion CZK, compared to about 2.96 billion CZK in the current year. The majority of the collected funds, over 3.3 billion CZK, will be earmarked for investments in water supply and sewerage renewal projects.

PVK, majority-owned by Veolia (51%) and 49% by the city through PVS, operates an extensive water supply network spanning 4444 kilometers and a sewerage network covering 4760 kilometers. With 93,521 contractual customers as of last year, the company plays a pivotal role in managing Prague’s water infrastructure.

Article by Prague Forum