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New Watercent Fee Introduced in Bavaria to Promote Water Conservation
Bavaria, home to Munich, has introduced a new watercent fee ("Wassercent") aimed at encouraging water conservation and funding sustainable water management initiatives. The fee, which will come into effect on July 1, 2026, is a surcharge on drinking water consumption by private households.
Key Details of the Watercent Fee
The fee is set at a rate of ten cents per cubic meter (m³) of water used by private consumers. Each household will receive a free basic allowance of water consumption, typically around 25 m³ or 30 m³ annually, exempting them from the fee for their basic living needs.
The watercent applies only to private residential water use, not commercial or industrial water use. Certain groups or uses might be exempt or partially exempt, such as households with very low income or social assistance, water used for medical purposes, or some agricultural or essential public water uses.
Implications
The watercent fee incentivizes consumers to reduce excessive water use, generating revenue for water infrastructure improvements, environmental protection efforts, and water resource management projects within Bavaria. The fee aims to ensure social fairness by providing a free allowance and exemptions to protect vulnerable populations and ensure access to water remains affordable.
Households with high water consumption may see increased costs, encouraging more efficient water use at home. For precise rates, allowances, and exemptions, checking the official Bavarian government or local water utility updates is recommended, as these details can vary or be updated regularly.
Private water consumers in Bavaria can expect additional costs of around five euros per person per year, based on an average water consumption of around 140 liters per person per day.
Background
The coalition partners CSU and Free Voters agreed on the key points for the new watercent in December after a prolonged dispute. The German cabinet has proposed a bill for the introduction of a watercent in Bavaria. The CSU's Minister-President, Markus Söder, has emphasised that the watercent is intended to protect water resources.
Immediate criticism of the compromise has arisen, particularly due to the difference in free allowances between businesses and private individuals. However, the watercent is expected to play a significant role in the sustainable management of water resources in Bavaria.
The Commission, in light of the new watercent fee introduced in Bavaria, might consider a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers in the finance, industry, and business sectors from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given that these sectors are not excluded from the watercent and may rely on significant water use.
The introduction of the watercent fee in Bavaria, aimed at promoting water conservation and funding sustainable water management, serves as an example for other regions that seek to incentivize efficient water usage, not just in residential but also in commercial and industrial sectors.
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