Anseong-si Proposes Water Rate Increase for the First Time in 21 Years

Policy to increase by 15% annually for 3 years starting in the second half
City: "Cumulative deficit of 31.4 billion over 3 years... Realization inevitable"

Gyeonggi-do Anseong City is planning to raise water rates that have been frozen for 21 years, which is expected to increase the burden on low-income residents already struggling with high inflation.

Anseong City announced on the 2nd that it has decided to increase the water rates, which have been frozen since 2003, by 15% annually over three years starting from the second half of this year, and is currently proceeding with related procedures.

A city official explained, "This decision is a measure to secure the city's financial soundness and improve the water rate realization rate." The city added that due to low population density, the cost burden of supplying tap water is relatively higher compared to other local governments. According to the city, as of last year, the water rate realization rate in Anseong City was only 68.9%, resulting in a deficit of 11.8 billion KRW. The accumulated deficit over the past three years amounts to 31.4 billion KRW.

The city particularly emphasized that due to the freezing of water rates, budget shortages for repairing aging water pipelines and operating and maintaining facilities have continued, making the rate increase inevitable.

Regarding the specific water rate increase plan, the progressive rate system, which was applied differently based on water usage for residential, public bathhouse, and industrial use, will be abolished, and the general use rate system will be adjusted from four progressive stages to two stages.

Additionally, the current per ton rate for residential water will also be raised. Accordingly, the rates by usage bracket, which were 670 KRW for up to 20 tons per month, 820 KRW for 21-30 tons, and 1,000 KRW for over 31 tons, will be uniformly increased to 800 KRW per ton starting in the second half of this year, 920 KRW in 2025, and 1,050 KRW in 2026.

The general water rates (for shops, factories, logistics centers, etc.) will be adjusted from four progressive stages (1,240 to 2,130 KRW) to two stages, with rates of 1,460 KRW per ton for usage up to 100 tons and 2,070 KRW per ton for usage exceeding 100 tons. The progressive rate system for public bathhouse and exclusive industrial water will be abolished and rates will increase annually.

A city official stated, "To somewhat reduce the burden on citizens caused by the rate increase, we plan to raise the rates gradually over three years."