Starting January 1, 2027, Berlin residents are expected to pay slightly more for drinking water and wastewater. The stormwater fee, on the other hand, will decrease. The supervisory board of Berliner Wasserbetriebe approved the new rates last Friday. They will not take effect until the regulatory authority grants approval. For a single-person household with a daily water consumption of 113 liters, the adjustment means an additional 36 cents per month.
An Overview of the New Fees
- Drinking water: 1.870 euros per 1,000 liters (previously 1.813 euros), an increase of about 6 cents.
- Wastewater: 2.204 euros per 1,000 liters (previously 2.155 euros), an increase of about 5 cents.
- Stormwater: 1.684 euros per square meter of built-up and paved area (previously 1.809 euros), which is 13 cents less.
The supervisory board has set the billing period at one year. In its announcement, Berliner Wasserbetriebe describes the adjustment as moderate and below the inflation rate. The company continues to rank among the most affordable water and wastewater service providers in Germany.
Who benefits, who pays more
All households will feel the additional costs for drinking water and wastewater, in proportion to their consumption. The decrease in the stormwater fee primarily benefits owners of larger developed properties. They pay based on the area that prevents rainwater from seeping into the ground. For 1,000 square meters of impervious surface, the difference amounts to approximately 125 euros per year.
Tenants usually notice the change on their utility bills, into which landlords factor in the fees.
Why the fees are increasing
The water utility attributes the increase to necessary investments. Approximately 20,000 kilometers of pipeline network, as well as the water treatment and wastewater treatment plants, are to be modernized.
The new rates still require approval from the Senate Department of Justice and Consumer Protection. They will not become binding until then.
