Mysuru: Residents within the limits of the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) will face an increase in water charges following the implementation of a revised tariff structure that came into effect from April 1.
The revised rates, approved by the Directorate of Municipal Administration, introduce a slab-based pricing system aimed at rationalising water usage and improving revenue collection for civic infrastructure.
Slab-based tariff system introduced
Under the new structure, domestic water charges will vary based on consumption levels. Households consuming up to 25,000 litres per month will be charged ₹6.50 per 1,000 litres. The tariff increases progressively with higher consumption, reaching ₹25 per 1,000 litres for usage exceeding 1 lakh litres.
In addition to consumption-based billing, the MCC has mandated a minimum monthly charge of ₹163, even for households with minimal or no usage. This ensures a baseline revenue for maintaining water supply infrastructure.
The move marks a shift towards a more structured and usage-driven billing mechanism, encouraging conservation while aligning tariffs with operational costs.
Sewerage charges linked to water bills
Alongside the revised water tariff, the MCC has also updated sewerage (underground drainage) charges. These will now be calculated at 40 per cent of the total water bill, increasing the overall monthly expenditure for households.
For properties not connected to the water supply but linked to underground drainage systems, fixed monthly sewerage charges have been introduced. Domestic users will pay ₹100 per unit, while non-domestic users will be charged ₹200. Commercial and industrial establishments will incur a fee of ₹300 per unit.
Additional burden amid property tax hike
The revision in water and sewerage charges comes at a time when residents are already facing an increase in property tax within MCC limits. The combined impact is expected to place an additional financial burden on households and businesses alike.
Civic officials, however, maintain that the revised tariffs are necessary to sustain and upgrade urban infrastructure, particularly in the face of rising operational and maintenance costs.
MCC urges responsible usage
In an official press release, the Mysuru City Corporation has urged citizens to use water judiciously and avoid wastage. Authorities emphasised that responsible consumption is essential, especially in the context of growing urban demand and limited water resources.
The MCC has also directed all consumers to install functional water meters. Households with faulty or non-functional meters have been asked to rectify the issue without delay to ensure accurate billing and avoid disputes.
Conclusion
The revised tariff structure marks a significant change in Mysuru’s urban utility framework, with a clear push towards sustainable usage and improved cost recovery. While the increased charges may strain household budgets in the short term, authorities hope the new system will promote efficient water management and support long-term infrastructure development in the city.