Questions & answers about tap water in the Netherlands
How much does a m³ of water cost in the Netherlands?
An m³ (1,000 litres) of drinking water costs an average of € 1.21, excluding taxes. With taxes, an m³ costs an average of € 1.60. [1]
Regional water company
The price per m³ of drinking water depends on the regional water supply company and can vary considerably. The price difference is due to several factors. On the one hand, the origin of the water plays a role. Water from a river is more expensive than groundwater because purifying river water into drinking water costs money. Urban areas have higher infrastructure costs and many other factors play an essential role.
At Vewin (Association of Water Companies in the Netherlands), the area classification of the water companies can be shown on an interactive map.
The companies state their rates in detail:
Tap water tax
In 2023, € 0.382 per m³ of tap water (excluding VAT; for consumption up to 300 m³) will be charged. This corresponds to approximately 42 cents per m³, including VAT. [2]
VAT on water
The value-added tax (VAT) on the water is 9%.
Basic rate
Every year, a fixed basic rate is charged for each water connection. These amount to 50 to 80 € including VAT, depending on the water company,
No water meter?
There are also households without water meters in the Netherlands, so the water consumption is calculated based on (residential) units.
Pearls of Wisdom
The average household in the Netherlands is 2.2 people. The water consumption is, on average, 110l per person per day.
Sources:
[1] https://www.vewin.nl/sector-in-beeld/Paginas/default.aspx
[2] https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontentnl/belastingdienst/zakelijk/overige_belastingen/belastingen_op_milieugrondslag/tarieven_milieubelastingen/tabellen_tarieven_milieubelastingen