Pohang-si Water Supply Rates to Increase by 6.8% Starting from October Bills

Starting from October, a 6.8% annual increase for 5 years; 40 KRW rise per 1 ton for households

Inevitable hike due to continuous cost increases and facility maintenance... Citizens' cooperation requested

Pohang City will gradually increase its water supply fees, which have been frozen for the past 10 years since 2014, by 6.8% annually for five years starting from the bill issued in October.

Notice of Water Supply Fee Increase in Pohang City

The city had frozen water supply fees for the past 10 years since 2014 to minimize the burden on citizens, but due to continuous cost increases and a lack of budget for the maintenance of aging pipelines and facility repairs, the city obtained council approval last June and will raise the fees starting next month.

Pohang City has charged water supply fees lower than the average in North Gyeongsang Province, as well as lower than those of neighboring cities and cities of similar size.

With this fee increase, starting from the October bill, the progressive rate system for residential water supply fees will be abolished, and a single rate will be applied. The fee for the first tier (1-20 tons) will rise from 585 KRW per ton to 625 KRW per ton, an increase of 40 KRW.

Additionally, the exclusive industrial water supply fee, which is relatively lower compared to other cities of similar size, will be subject to an additional 10% increase.

As a result of this increase, a household using 16 tons per month will see their monthly bill rise from 9,360 KRW to 10,000 KRW, resulting in an additional average monthly burden of 640 KRW.

To reduce the burden on citizens, the city will apply a maximum two-month reduction for leaks occurring at the water meter protection box and indoor pipe connections, and the reduction period for indoor leaks will be extended from the current one month to up to two months.

Furthermore, for those who apply for electronic billing instead of paper bills, a discount of 300 KRW per bill will be applied starting from the month after application, thereby expanding fee reductions and introducing a new discount system.

Detailed information about the water supply fee increase can be found through the Pohang City Clean Water Business Headquarters Cyber Portal, where various administrative services such as applying for electronic billing, checking and paying water bills are also available.

A Pohang City official stated, "We ask for your deep understanding and cooperation as the fee increase is unavoidable to provide high-quality tap water directly related to citizens' health and safety," and added, "The funds secured through the fee increase will be used for investments in aging facilities, contributing to enhancing the reliability of water administration."