Government raises water supply tariffs

The Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) has announced it will increase the water supply tariffs for all categories of water usage starting from November 1.
According to a release, the increases will result in a MOP4.5 (US$0.5) monthly increase in water consumption fees for 90 per cent of household water users in the city, while 60 per cent of non-household users will see a MOP7 increase.
Household water consumption below 28 cubic metres will see tariffs set at MOP4.48 per cubic metre, with the government subsiding 42 per cent of the fee.
For non-household usage, the price will increase to MOP6.04 per cubic metre, with the government subsidising 22 per cent of the value.
In cases of special water usage, the fee will be set at MOP7.75 per cubic metre, with users not receiving a government subsidy, and with 50 per cent of users registering a total tariff increase below MOP270 per month.
It was also announced that between October 2016 and March 2017, Macau tap water users who reduce their water consumption from between 10 per cent to 30 per cent compared to the same period last year, could receive a total tariff reduction ranging between MOP30 and MOP250.