Water rates would rise 4% a year above inflation

Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht (AGV) plans to raise its water rates by 4 percent every year until 2050, on top of inflation. The plan is set out in a memo on the 2027 budget.

The rates are charged to residents and businesses in the water board's area, which includes Amsterdam. A rise above inflation every year for more than two decades would come on top of general price increases. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that consumer prices in October 2026 were 3.7 percent higher than a year earlier.

The increase is meant to bring in an extra 15 million euros each year. The money would go into a reserve fund for future investments.

In the memo, the water board's executive writes that it hopes residents and businesses will "quickly get used to" the higher rates. It adds that the approach fits the aim of being honest with the public.

A study by the consultancy Andersson Elffers Felix, published at the end of last year, found that water rates across the Netherlands could more than double by 2050. It says all water boards need "a new narrative" to make clear that higher rates are "here to stay".

The water board's executive discusses the 2027 budget and the memo this Thursday. The final decision follows in the 2027 spring memo (voorjaarsnota).