The Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) has announced a 10% increase in water prices, effective July 1. According to a notification released on Wednesday, this adjustment is due to inflation, as stipulated in Section 22 of the Wasa Act 1996.
For residential consumers, the new rate will be Tk16.7 per unit (1,000 litres), up from Tk15.18. Commercial consumers will see prices rise to Tk46.2 per unit from Tk42.
Section 22 of the Wasa Act allows for a maximum 5% annual increase in water tariffs with board approval. In July 2022, Wasa raised prices by 5%. In 2017, rates were Tk10 per unit for residential users and Tk32 for commercial users, with subsequent annual increases of 5% for three years. In 2020, residential water prices saw a significant 25% increase following government approval.
