Why is the water authority tax higher in 2024?
In recent years, we have kept the water authority tax as low as possible. But our costs have gone up a lot. This is due in part to higher energy costs and to climate change. It is becoming more and more expensive to make sure we live safely below sea level and that there is enough clean water.
The main reasons are:
- Increased energy costs
Like everyone else in the Netherlands, the water authority is facing higher prices for electricity, fuel and raw materials. We also used more energy because we had to run our pumping stations more often. - Consequences of climate change
Climate change is making our work more and more complicated. It is raining harder and for longer, and sea levels are rising. And sometimes it is just too dry. We need to spend more money on new pumping stations and on strengthening our dikes to be prepared for the future. - Topping up reserves
Like any household, the Water Authority needs to have money in reserve for unforeseen expenses. Because we have received too little from water authority taxes in the last few years, our reserves are empty. We need to top them up again.
Berry, the digital assistent