Jinju-si Raises Sewerage Fees for the First Time in 8 Years

Annual increase of about 11% until 2028
Unavoidable decision to improve realization rate

Jinju City in Gyeongnam has frozen sewage fees since 2017 to reduce the burden on citizens amid a prolonged economic downturn and COVID-19. However, due to continued deficits in the special account for public sewage enterprises, the city has decided to raise sewage fees for the first time in eight years, considering the establishment of sewage treatment infrastructure and fee rationalization.

According to the city, the 2023 settlement results show that the treatment cost for sewage per 1㎥ (ton) is 1,744 KRW, while the sewage fee is 455 KRW, resulting in a realization rate of only 26.1%. This is significantly lower than the average fee of 641 KRW and a realization rate of 41.5% in other cities within the province.

Panoramic view of Jinju City Sewage Treatment Plant.

Additionally, various financial demands have steadily increased due to the expansion and improvement projects of sewage treatment facilities following stricter discharge water quality standards at sewage treatment plants, as well as maintenance projects for aging sewage pipelines to prevent disasters and improve sewage collection rates.

To implement this fee increase, the city completed the review by the Price Countermeasure Committee in October and amended the ordinance in December. Accordingly, the increased fees will be applied starting February next year, with plans to raise fees by approximately 11% annually until 2028 to minimize the impact on the local economy due to the economic downturn and to alleviate the financial burden on low-income households.

A city official stated, “It was inevitable to raise sewage usage fees to provide stable sewage administrative services to citizens. The funds secured through fee rationalization will be used valuably to preserve water quality and create a pleasant living environment, so we ask for the broad understanding and cooperation of our citizens.”