Following the over 18% increment in electricity and natural gas tariffs, Ghanaians should expect a ripple increment in water tariffs effective June 1, 2023.

This increment in the cost of water for Ghanaians follows a review and approval by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for water tariffs to go up for the second quarter of 2023.

Justifying the need for the upward review, PURC explained that there is the need to balance the prevention of extended power outages and their adverse implications on jobs and livelihoods while minimizing the impact of rate increases on consumers.

“In taking this decision, the commission took cognizance of the cost of electricity, increased volume cost of chemicals for raw water treatment, the Ghana Cedi/US Dollar exchange rate, and inflation… The Commission will continue to monitor the operations of the utility service providers to ensure value for money and quality service delivery.” PURC announced in a statement issued on Thursday, May 18.

This increment in water tariffs follows an earlier increase of 18.36% in electricity and natural gas tariffs.

The Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism seeks to track and incorporate changes in key factors used in determining natural gas and electricity tariffs.