Thiruvananthapuram: The rate and slab for drinking water will now be determined not only on the water used but also on considering the size of the building. This will apply to all the domestic and non-domestic categories of consumers availing the services. Currently, the rate is increased only based on consumption. A higher slab will be imposed for large buildings and a lower slab for small buildings. The new tariff prepared by the Kerala Water Authority is under consideration by the government. The list of charges has not been finalised. 

There will be relaxations for BPL and people falling under serious illness categories. Special rates will also be provided for orphanages, rehabilitation centres, institutions for the differently-abled, anganwadis, and libraries.

Currently, there are only four categories namely domestic, non-domestic, industrial and special (for construction purposes). These have been divided into various sub-categories. Along with the slab, the rates payable by various categories will also vary. A higher rate slab has been proposed for industries that require large amounts of water as raw material, such as bottled water factories, amusement parks, vehicle service centres, and swimming pools. A lower rate will also be imposed on small-scale industries.

If the government accepts the tariff rate submitted by the Kerala Water Authority, there will be a huge increase in pricing. The water tariff was last increased in February 2023.

Tariff rates
Domestic category
1. BPL: BPL category, Houses constructed by government and voluntary organisations under schemes like Life Mission, PMAY, etc.
2. Social commitment: Homes of those who have been diagnosed with serious illnesses, cancer, kidney and liver diseases, and mental and physical challenges (more than 40 per cent)
3. General: Houses and flats up to 3000 square feet.
4. Medium: Houses and flats ranging from 3000 to 5000 sq ft.
5. Premium: Houses and flats above 5000 sq ft.
Non-domestic category
1. Social responsibility: Orphanages, old age homes, institutions for the differently abled, shelters, and boarding schools.
2. General: Orphanages, old age homes, institutions for the differently abled, shelters, drug rehabilitation centres (fee-charging). Hospitals with fewer than ten beds. Anganwadis, libraries, places of worship, educational institutions, research centres, hostels, godowns less than 1076 sq ft., and other private commercial establishments less than 161 sq ft.
3. Other category: Hospitals up to 50 beds, hostels not attached to institutions, gymnasiums, homestays, poultry farms, animal farms, zoos, beauty parlours, workshops, restaurants with less than 100 seats, government and private institutions with an area of 161 to 1076sq ft, shops, warehouses, auditoriums below 10764 sq ft, etc.
4. Premium: Hotels with more than 100 seats, hospitals with more than 50 beds, three-star hotels, amusement parks (water parks), convention centres, and large institutions.