Water charges in Kyiv could rise by almost three times
Kyivvodokanal announced this in a response to an enquiry from RBC-Ukraine.
The company has already submitted its calculations for the new tariffs to the city authorities. It is proposing to increase the cost of centralised water supply from 16.16 to 50.69 hryvnia per cubic metre.
The tariff for centralised wastewater disposal could rise from 14.22 to 38.21 hryvnia per cubic metre.
The total cost of the two services would then amount to 88.90 hryvnia per cubic metre, up from the current 30.38 hryvnia. The increase would amount to 58.52 hryvnia, or almost 193 per cent.
How bills might change
If a consumer uses five cubic metres of water per month, under the current tariffs, water supply and drainage cost 151.90 hryvnia. Following a potential increase, the same volume would cost 444.50 hryvnia.
For consumption of ten cubic metres, the cost of services could rise from 303.80 to 889 hryvnias.
These calculations take into account only the cost of water supply and drainage. The standing charge and any other possible charges are not included.
Have the new tariffs been approved?
The amounts proposed by ‘Kyivvodokanal’ have not yet come into force. The company has merely submitted its calculations, which are to be considered by the city authorities.
No dates have yet been announced for the possible introduction of the new tariff. Until a specific decision is made, Kyiv residents will continue to pay the current rates.
In 2026, the procedure for setting tariffs for centralised water supply and sewerage services changed. Law No. 4777-IX transferred the relevant powers to local authorities for the duration of martial law and for a further 12 months following its termination.
The NEURC retains its powers regarding the methodology for calculating tariffs, licensing and monitoring the reasonableness of costs.
Why ‘Kyivvodokanal’ is proposing an increase
The company explained that the tariff review was necessary to ensure the stable operation of water supply and sewerage systems during the war and in the face of constant threats to critical infrastructure.
According to Kyivvodokanal’s calculations, electricity costs have tripled compared with 2022. Electricity is one of the main components of the cost of water supply and wastewater treatment.
The cost of fuel and lubricants has more than doubled, whilst that of certain water treatment chemicals has almost tripled.
Additional costs are required for the repair of worn-out networks and the restoration of facilities damaged as a result of Russian attacks. The company has also taken into account the rise in the cost of spare parts and the increase in labour costs.
How tariffs are changing in other cities
In July, a review of water supply and sewerage charges began in a number of Ukrainian local authorities. According to RBC-Ukraine, some of the highest tariffs were set in Uman, Pavlohrad and Berdychiv, whilst in Vinnytsia the cost of services has roughly tripled.
New calculations are also being prepared in Lviv. There, the need to review prices is attributed to rising electricity costs, higher taxes and increased wage costs.
Water utilities must submit their tariff calculations to local authorities by 20 August. After that, local authorities will consider the proposals and decide whether to approve the new prices.
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