Seoul Sewage Usage Fees to Rise by 9.5% Annually for Five Years

Rate Increase Proposal Approved by the Price Countermeasures Committee

The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to raise sewage usage fees by 9.5% annually for five consecutive years starting next year.

On June 5, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that the Price Countermeasures Committee had approved a proposal containing these measures. The city aims to achieve an 80% cost recovery rate for sewage fees by 2030 and plans to gradually increase sewage usage fees by an annual average of 9.5% over five years starting in 2026. The total increase will amount to 422 won, with an average annual increase of 84.4 won per cubic meter (㎥).

If the proposed increase is implemented, the sewage fee burden for households next year will rise by 480 won per month for single-person households (based on monthly usage of 6㎥), from the current 2,400 won to 2,880 won. For four-person households (based on monthly usage of 24㎥), the monthly fee will increase by 1,920 won, from the current 9,600 won to 11,520 won.

Based on the results of the Price Countermeasures Committee review, the city will carry out preliminary administrative procedures for ordinance revision by July, and finalize the rate hike after deliberation and approval by the Seoul Metropolitan Council in September. The final details, including the rate of increase and the implementation date, may be partially adjusted during the council's review and approval process.

Jung Sungkuk, Director of the Water Circulation Safety Bureau of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "We sincerely ask for the understanding of our citizens regarding the unavoidable increase in sewage usage fees amid the ongoing high inflation."