Higher Water Tariffs in Iran: A Dissenting Voice

Raising water tariffs will not necessarily lead to lower consumption, but can help if applied in tandem with other management measures, a water expert said.
“Higher tariffs will result in filling the pockets of water organizations. These companies will use the additional income to improve their financial posture. They will not spend it on plans and programs to encourage people to consume water judiciously,” ISNA quoted Dariush Mokhtari as saying.
The government ratified a proposal by the Energy Ministry to raise water tariff by 7%. The new rates went into effect on April 21.
One of the factors, most experts say, contributing to unusually high water consumption and waste is that the precious commodity is sold at very low prices to farmers households and industries.