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Beijing to Raise Water Prices

Beijing will increase its average water price to 6 yuan (73 US cents) per cubic meter in 2005 as a measure to soothe the city s serious water shortage pressure.

The municipal government established a new office to deal with water affairs integrating the formerly separate departments dealing with water source, supply, saving, drainage and waste water treatment so as to utilize water resources more efficiently.

Beijing raise the household water price to 4.07 yuan (49 US cents) from the previous 2.9 yuan (35 US cents) per cubic meter in 2003. This year, the price grew to about 5 yuan (60 US cents) per cubic meter, and will continue to increase, according to the Beijing Waterworks Group Ltd.

Though the price is going up, the government will adopt a differentiated charging system on water consumption, which means those consuming more water than average should pay more, and those using water within certain quota can pay at a lower price, as a way to ease the financial burden of poorer citizens. By paying more, people will become more aware of the value of water.