As part of its various measures for better water supply and sanitation, the Maharashtra government is likely to implement a new bulk water tariff order in the next two months

As part of its various initiatives to improve water supply in the State, the Maharashtra government is likely to pass a new bulk water tariff order in the next two to three months. The new tariff order will reward water-saving initiatives as well as curtail unnecessary wastage.

The Maharashtra Water Resource Regulatory Authority (MWRRA) had submitted the bulk water tariff draft to the State government for consideration. MWRRA officials said that the new tariff is likely to be implemented in the next two months.

"The new bulk water tariff may be implemented in the next two to three months," said SV Sodal, secretary, MWRRA.

According to the revised bulk water tariff draft uploaded on the MWRRA website, the policy will reward better water management practices with incentive discounts in the tariff. If metro corporations, municipalities (or any utility or bulk user) treats sewage effluents to required standards, the tariff on the quantum of water producing such effluents will be 75% of the applicable water tariff. If the effluents are not treated, the utilities and industries are likely to be charged two times the basic rate.While water treatment would be rewarded, the new tariff also proposes higher tariffs on higher water consumption.

Every bulk user, utility or municipality will be given a 10% bracket over and above its per capita daily requirement limit. If the user crosses the bracket it will be charged 50% more on the rate for its consumption above this 10% bracket.

The new tariff is likely to be implemented in the next two months for a period of three years up to 2013. Industrial bulk users will have to comply with these new rules with immediate effect. However, utilities like municipalities would be given a period of two years to have a better plan in place for water conservation and treatment.

Bulk water tariff refers to the tariff levied on bulk water users by the Water Resources Department on volumetric basis, as per the tariff order issued and in force on the date of levy. —  Moneylife Digital Team