(CNS): The Water Authority-Cayman has confirmed that its base price will be increased by 3%, effective 1 July. Customers will see the adjusted rates reflected on their July bill, which will be issued at the end of the month. Under the base increase, the fee for residential customers in Grand Cayman for the first 12 cubic metres (m³) of water consumed each month, equivalent to approximately 3,200 US gallons, will increase by 13¢ per m³, from $4.34 to $4.47. Consumption above 12 m³ will increase by 17¢ per m³, from $5.57 to $5.74.
In Cayman Brac, piped water customers will see an increase of 18¢ per m³, from $5.99 to $6.17, while trucked water customers will see an increase of 23¢ per m³, from $7.55 to $7.78.
Sewerage rates, which are based on assessed Sewerage Fixture Units (SFUs), will increase from $1.672 to $1.722. The septage disposal rate charged to septage truckers will increase from $17.018 to $17.529 per 1,000 US gallons.
Water Authority Director Dr Gelia Frederick van Genderen said the adjustment reflects the authority’s long‑term infrastructure needs. “The adjustment is necessary to invest in our infrastructure to ensure proper and adequate operations now and into the future,” she stated in a release about the rate hike.
“The Authority is committed to keeping tap water affordable, and even with this increase, the water we provide remains less than 3¢ per gallon. We understand that base price increases are not something customers welcome…But customers remain in control of many aspects of their consumption. Using water efficiently and addressing leaks helps control expenses.”
Section 44(3) of the Water Authority Regulations (2022 Revision) provides the mechanism for the government-owned company to increase its prices annually. Officials said the base price has not been revised in seven years and comes following verified calculations by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) and formal notification to OfReg.
However, it comes at a time when the authority’s customers are facing a surge in the cost of living and amid fears of a significant increase in other utility costs, given the current global volatility and ongoing Middle East conflicts. The government has cut the duty on all fuel for the next three months, but there is no duty on water.
For information and resources to help customers understand their bills, read their water meters, and conserve water visit the Authority’s website www.waterauthority.ky.
