After thirteen years with frozen rates, the price of water in Argentona (Maresme) will rise by 45.94% on average. Depending on the consumption, the water bill will increase between 34% and 57%. The decision, which was approved in the municipal plenary session on March 25, comes after the Ter-Llobregat Water Supply Entity (ATL), the public company responsible for the production and sale of water, decided to apply an increase in the rate of 45.94%.
Sergi Blanco, president of Aigües Argentona, explained in plenary that, according to an external audit, the price of water should increase by 90% to reflect the real cost. However, the board of directors decided to absorb part of the impact of the lack of updating the tariff since 2011, only applying the 45.94% increase that the ATL has imposed this year.
This increase will be applied by consumption brackets. Although the 45.94% increase will be fully reflected in the fixed fee, the variable part of the water bill, dependent on consumption, will be divided into three blocks. In the first section the rate will increase by 22.97%; in the second, 45.94%; and in the third, 68.91%.
The proposal to update prices will depend on approval by the Preus Commission of the Generalitat. If you give your approval, the new prices could come into effect within two to three months. Furthermore, it is possible that these changes have retroactive effects and will be applied from their approval in the last municipal plenary session.
