In 2024, the water board tax at the water board increased by as much as 35 percent. This year there was an increase of 12.9 percent on top of that. Next year, most households will pay 15 to 17 euros less per year. This amounts to a reduction of 3 to 5 percent.
According to daily manager Simon Deurlo, the tax does not need to increase, because the water board is ‘financially strong again’. The total water board tax of 350 million euros will not decrease, but the costs will be distributed differently.
Challenges posed by climate change
In a press release, the water board writes: “The following applies to the amount: if the water board does more for you, you also pay more.”
The water board wants to invest extra money this year in strong dikes, pumping stations and sewage treatment, but also in crisis organization and online security. “Climate change is causing the sea level to rise. It is sometimes dry for a long time and there is increasingly heavy rain. Our water system then has to work harder. It is also difficult to keep the water clean.”