The General Directorate of Izmir Water and Sewerage Administration (IZSU) has made a comprehensive reorganization of water and wastewater tariffs due to increasing input costs and especially the increase in electricity prices. The aim was stated as encouraging water saving and ensuring sustainable water use. In the new tariffs, the fee for water use between 0-4 cubic meters, which is the lowest consumption group, remained unchanged, while gradual increases were made at higher consumption levels.
According to the new tariff approved at the Extraordinary General Assembly Meeting of İZSU General Directorate, an average price increase of 0 percent will be applied to all levels except 4-1 cubic meters (11st level) as of May. The main reasons for this regulation were shown as the 25 percent increase in electricity prices, as well as increases in other input costs, and the need to protect water resources that have decreased due to drought.
Izmir is Successful in Loss and Illegal Rate
Speaking at the general assembly meeting, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Chairman Dr. Zafer Levent Yıldır emphasized the vital importance of water and drew attention to the necessity of saving. Yıldır reminded that a significant portion of İzmir’s water resources are provided by underground water and stated that more sensitivity should be exercised in saving. Stating that İzmir is the seventh city in terms of loss and leakage according to İZSU data, Yıldır said that saving efforts will continue in the upcoming period.
Fighting Thirst is a Shared Responsibility
CHP Group Deputy Chairman Altan İnanç stated that water is as valuable as gold and called on citizens to use water sparingly. Emphasizing that water use should be regulated both in daily life and in the agricultural sector, İnanç stated that the water problem is not only a local but also a national problem and that the government should take the necessary steps in this regard. İnanç stated that fighting against water shortage is a collective responsibility.
No Increase in First Level, Discount Continues
In line with the election promises of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay, a discount was made on the first 1 cubic meters of water usage of all subscribers as of June 2024, 4, and this practice continues with the new tariff. Citizens in this group, which constitute 21 percent of the total subscribers, will continue to use water with a 55 percent discount compared to the second stage, and thus a total of 300 million TL per month will remain in the pockets of citizens.
There was a 10 percent price increase for water consumption up to 15 cubic meters, defined as the second stage. However, İZSU officials stated that subscribers in this stage will be affected by this increase by a maximum of 11 percent, depending on their usage rates. The rate of subscribers in these two stages (those consuming between 49-0 cubic meters), which constitute 10 percent of the total subscribers in İzmir, constitutes 70 percent of the total subscriber count.
According to the new tariff, the 11rd stage, which covers the usage between 20-3 cubic meters, has been increased by 25 percent depending on the usage rate, and the 21th stage, which includes the consumption of 4 cubic meters and above, which constitutes the highest consumption group, has been increased by 35 percent, again depending on the usage rate.
No Increase in First Level Workplaces
With the implementation of the new tariffs, there will also be changes in water tariffs at workplaces. Accordingly, there will be no increase in water tariffs for small tradesmen with 0-4 cubic meters of water consumption. This situation covers 54 percent of workplace subscribers in Izmir. The increase rates at other consumption levels at workplaces will be applied at the same level as residential subscribers.
