Water in Sweden is becoming increasingly expensive. Last year's record-breaking increase is being trounced.
According to statistics from Svenskt Vatten, the increase in VA usage fees in Sweden's municipalities averages 14.1%, compared to last year's increase of 8.1%, which was a record since the organization began collecting statistics in 2002. The cost for a "single-family home" (two adults and two children) thus amounts to 10,515 kronor per year for 2024.
The reason for the increase is, according to Erik Karlsson, unsurprisingly interest rates and generally higher energy prices.
The differences in fees are large across the country. Norrtälje is at the top, with 19,874 kronor per year. Fagersta is at the bottom, with 3,739 kronor.
According to Karlsson, there is also a future investment need in VA infrastructure, which will cost.
2022, according to Karlsson, around 25 billion kronor was invested in the infrastructure. But it should actually need around 10 billion more.
Although the cost of water and sewage is rising, it is a relatively small part of the annual expenditure for households in the country. Around one percent, more precisely, says Karlsson and adds:
