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Price increase in Zwickau: Drinking water will be more expensive from January!
Zwickau will increase water prices for 197,000 residents from January 2026. High costs force fees to be adjusted.
Price increase in Zwickau: Drinking water will be more expensive from January!
The Zwickau waterworks have tightened the price screw: from January 1, 2026, the fees for drinking and wastewater will be increased. This decision affects around 197,000 residents of the city, who will have to prepare for higher costs. The price adjustment is necessary because high investment costs are putting a strain on the company. The new basic prices were introduced at the beginning of 2024, which met with criticism at the time.
The waterworks have emphasized that the rising fees are a response to persistently high procurement, personnel and maintenance costs. In the current market situation, the costs of energy and materials continue to rise, which underlines the need for a price increase. These developments are in line with industry trends: According to a report from Forvis Mazars, about 38 percent of water utilities increased their prices in 2024 - a significant growth compared to previous years, in which only about 15 percent made price adjustments.
Changes to basic prices and requirements
There is news, especially for households with several residential units. The basic fee is based on the number of residential units per consumption point. However, in the event of temporary or permanent vacancy, the operators are obliged to make appropriate invoices. A fee requirement for customers with three or more residential units can be lifted under certain conditions, for example by permanently closing the water supply line or permanently closing the sewage system. This regulation ensures that billing is transparent and fair.
The waterworks offer their customers the opportunity to receive individual advice, especially for vacant or unused properties. Latvian change notices submitted by September 30, 2025 may apply retroactively from January 1, 2025. For later applications, approval will be given from July 1st of the same year at the earliest.
Market developments and outlook
Speaking of market developments: The price monitor from Forvis Mazars shows that in 2024 the average price increase in the new federal states was around 6.0 percent. In addition, volume fees increased by approximately 29 cents per cubic meter, further supporting the need for rate adjustments.
The changes in water prices reflect general economic conditions and it is expected that water companies will continue to react to price developments in the future. In this tense situation, it is an advantage for customers to find out about their options at an early stage and, if necessary, to take advantage of advisory services.
In times when spending on essentials is constantly increasing, the waterworks' goal remains clear: every citizen should continue to have access to high-quality drinking water, while at the same time the economic framework for the company must be secured.
For further information, please contact the Zwickau waterworks on their website website be visited, or read the Reporting from Free Press and Forvis Mazars for deeper insights.