Suwon's Water Rates to Increase by 60 Won per Ton Starting August Billing

[Suwon Ilbo = Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Special City announced on the 17th that it will increase water rates (residential and general use) by 60 won per ton starting from August billing, as the city has been supplying water below production cost.

This rate increase follows the 'Suwon City Water Supply Ordinance' revised in July 2024 and involves phased adjustments of water rates over two years to minimize citizen burden. The city increased residential and general use water rates by 60 won per ton in August 2024 for the first time in 8 years and 4 months.

The city plans to gradually normalize water rates below production cost to secure financial soundness of the water utility company and secure financial resources for facility investments to ensure stable tap water supply, including replacement of aging water pipes and installation of advanced water treatment facilities at Pajang Water Purification Plant.

Based on 2024 figures, the water production cost is 776 won per ton, but the average supply rate is 672 won, with a cost recovery rate of only 86.6%.

Residential and general use water rates will increase by 60 won per ton, while public bath rates and fixed charges by pipe diameter remain unchanged.

With this rate increase, a three-member household using an average of 19 tons of tap water per month will see their monthly water bill increase from 10,070 won to 11,210 won, an increase of 1,140 won.

Starting from August billing, residential use will increase from 530 won to 590 won per cubic meter. General use tier 1 (1-100 cubic meters) will rise from 910 won to 970 won, general use tier 2 (101-300 cubic meters) from 1,070 won to 1,130 won, and general use tier 3 (301 cubic meters and above) from 1,390 won to 1,450 won.