The cost of water will increase by 3% from next month, and the Water Authority-Cayman said sewerage rates would also rise.
Water Authority Director Gelia Frederick-van Genderen said the increase, the first for seven years, was needed to help pay for maintenance and improvements to the system.
“The authority is committed to keeping tap water affordable and, even with this increase, the water we provide remains less than three cents per gallon.”
The authority said the water charge increase would mean the base price for the first 12 cubic metres of water used in a month – about 2,640 imperial gallons or 3,200 US gallons – would go up 13 cents from $4.34 per cubic metre to $4.47.
The price for water consumption over 12 cubic metres will go up from $5.57 to $5.74 a cubic metre – a 17-cent increase.
Domestic piped water consumers in Cayman Brac will pay 18 cents per cubic metre more – breaking the $6 per cubic metre mark with an increase from $5.99 per cubic metre to $6.17.
Customers who rely on water delivered by truck will see an increase of 23 cents per cubic metre, up from $7.55 to $7.78.
Sewerage rates, based on assessed Sewerage Fixture Units, will go up from $1.672 to $1.722 per unit.
The disposal charges levied on sewage trucks will increase from $17.018 to $17.529 per 832.67 imperial gallons (1,000 US gallons).
Frederick-van Genderen said, “We understand that base price increases are not something customers welcome. But customers remain in control of many aspects of their consumption.
“Using water efficiently and addressing leaks helps control expenses.”
The authority added that its website contained information designed to help consumers conserve water, understand their bills and read water meters.
The Water Authority said there was tight quality control for tap water which met World Health Organization guidelines and that there were more than 45,000 tests on water samples carried out every year to ensure safety.
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