Households and businesses across Saint Lucia will soon pay more for water and sewerage services after the National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC) approved new tariffs for the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO). The new rates will take effect during WASCO’s June 2026 billing cycle and will be introduced in two stages, with the second increase scheduled for January 2027.
The NURC says the new tariffs are intended to help WASCO remain financially stable, invest in infrastructure, and continue providing water and sewerage services across the island.
For households using up to 2,000 gallons per billing cycle, the base water rate will remain EC$24.42.
But if you use more than 2,000 gallons, your rates will go up. The rate for households using between 2,000 and 3,000 gallons will increase from $12.21 per 1,000 gallons to $16.77 in June 2026 and to $23.03 in January 2027. For households using more than 3,000 gallons, the rate will increase from $24.92 to $34.23 in 2026 and $47.00 in 2027.
Commercial and government customers will also face phased increases of 37.34%, while hotels and boats will see larger increases of 76.17%.
Sewerage rates will also increase. The NURC approved phased adjustments across all categories, with hotels again facing a higher increase than other customer groups.
The decision follows a series of public consultations held earlier this year, during which WASCO argued that the current tariff structure no longer allows it to adequately meet its obligations as a service provider. The utility also cited rising energy costs, ageing infrastructure and the need for improved service delivery.
Many people agreed that the water network needs investment, but most support for the rate increase depended on promises of better service. During consultations, people raised concerns about unreliable water supply, accountability, and the need to see real improvements.
In approving the new tariffs, the NURC said it expects WASCO to improve efficiency, reduce non-revenue water losses, handle customer complaints more effectively, strengthen accountability and deliver more reliable service.
The regulator also indicated that it will establish monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the company meets its obligations during the tariff period.
Some of the extra money from the rate increase will go to the John Compton Dam Raw Water Pipeline Project, which will replace and upgrade important parts of the island’s water system. Money collected for this project will be kept in a special account and monitored by the NURC to ensure it is used only for this purpose.
Wow…. I hope WASCO greatly improves their services as well!!!
This has been in the pipeline before the general elections. But our pm was protesting the victory by delaying the increase until now , pretending he knows nothing about it.
Politicians always do what is best for them politically but not what is best for the people.
Great point Anonymous…without knowing the facts, I believe that is how it transpired!
Nothing is wrong in asking for tarrif change/ increase but the public must know what the dredging fee has been used for! It is absurdly corrupt to demand monies from the public and cannot present the outcomes of that collection effort. SHAME ON THE NURC.