Water should be supplied with affordable price. In 2002, the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights adopted its general comment No. 15 on the right to water, defined as the right of everyone to sufficient, safe, acceptable and physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic uses.

(Source: United Nations)

Water Tariff Structure in Hong Kong

Supply for Domestic Use

In Hong Kong, domestic consumers are usually billed for their water charges at 4-monthly intervals according to the meter readings taken. The charges payable are calculated on a tariff structure which consists of 4 tiers with progressively increasing prices. The tariff is so constructed to discourage excessive and unnecessary use of water.

The following tariff structure is applicable to water consumed in billing periods which commence on or after 16 February 1995:

Supply for Non-domestic Use

Non-domestic consumers are usually billed for their water charges at 4-monthly intervals according to the meter readings taken. For consumers having large water consumption, they are billed at monthly intervals. The charges payable are calculated at a flat rate dependent on the purpose of the supply.

Comparison of Drinking Water Charges between Hong Kong and Other Cities

Customers in Hong Kong pay less for high-quality fresh water than their counterparts in most major cities around the world. Water charges have not been revised since February 1995 (other than the charge for non-local vessels, which was last revised in July 1996).

Low water tariff, coupled with a stable water supply, may lead to people in Hong Kong not being aware of water conservation.

The whole world is facing a crisis on shortage of water resources, and a lot of places are affected. Even though we are living in Hong Kong, where having stable water supply, we still have to look forward and conserve water by minimising wastage.