Economic Policy News
- Nation to raise water prices
Date: 11-Dec-2006 Sources: (Shenzhen Daily)
THE government is to raise water prices to promote conservation and efficiency in a reform of the country's water price system during the 11th Five-Year Program period (2006-2010).
The Ministry of Water Resources said domestic water prices will be tiered with higher fees for heavy consumers to encourage conservation.
Progressive payment systems for over-quota water use for farming and industry will be implemented nationwide. The scope of water use fees will be enlarged and fees will be publicized.
The government's 2005 water resources report, the first of its kind to be published,, showed an average of 169 cubic meters of water was consumed for every 10,000 yuan in industrial added value. The government aims to cut the figure by 30 percent by 2010.
Li Yunsheng, an expert of the Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning of the State Environmental Protection Administration, said inadequate supply facilities, under-priced water and poor awareness of conservation are major problems. Li said waste water treatment fees are expected to rise to 0.8 yuan per ton, compared to 0.1 yuan per ton at present.
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