Kippenheim faces high water fees: local council discusses!

Kippenheim faces high water fees: local council discusses!

In Kippenheim there are signs of changes in the area of ​​drinking water fees. According to the Baden newspaper An increase in fees is likely due to necessary investments in the local water supply. These investments bring movement to the discussion that recently took place in the local council, as debt also had to be taken out in order to implement the desired improvements.

These developments are part of a larger trend affecting drinking water supplies in Germany. Loud daily news The cost of drinking water could rise nationwide. These projected increases are linked to new EU directives that require greater control of water sources and pipes. The directive's requirements have been criticized by some as being too expensive and bureaucratic.

EU directives as a driver of price increases

The EU's new drinking water directive is cited as one reason for the upcoming price increases. The standards aim to improve drinking water quality and its monitoring. In particular, the planned introduction of a risk-based, source-to-tap approach will attract attention. These regulations also include the control of pollutants, such as microplastics, that can end up in drinking water.

Karsten Specht, Vice President of the Association of Municipal Companies (VKU), recently warned that the implementation of these guidelines could lead to significant additional expenses in the high three-digit million range. These concerns were expressed in a fire letter to Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, which points out the disproportionate requirements for water protection.

Challenges for water suppliers

The traffic light coalition is planning new regulations for the catchment areas for drinking water production, but Germany is already under pressure as infringement proceedings are ongoing. The EU states had to implement the directive by mid-January 2025. The discussion about additional bureaucracy is being followed intensively by the VKU members, who supply around 90 percent of the German population with drinking water.

The EU aims to improve access to safe drinking water for all, especially disadvantaged groups. In addition, consumers should receive more information about their water suppliers and the quality of the drinking water. These measures aim to increase trust in tap water and reduce the use of plastic bottles.