Large families disadvantaged by the water bill appeal to the Government

“Municipalities, many of them small in size, often cannot cope with the existing geographical constraints, which result in higher service costs. There should be a national policy,” stated Filipa Baker, of the Associação Portuguesa de Famílias Numerosas.

The supply of water, sanitation, and urban solid waste (RSU), “being basic services, should be easily accessible to the entire population. Government intervention and investment would be a pathway,” she added.

The association suggests altering the assumptions for calculating tariffs, “so that consumption per person is considered,” instead of merely penalizing waste.

“We cannot tax as waste what is the consumption of more people, as it is completely different to have one person living alone or a family with three children or a couple with one child and grandparents,” she warned.

Barcelos, in the district of Braga, is “one of the most discriminatory municipalities,” as “a person in a family of seven pays approximately four times more for water and sanitation than if living alone.” Oppositely, Tarouca, in the district of Viseu, shows different outcomes.

In a study conducted in the country’s 308 municipalities, the association found that 78% (240) apply family tariffs for water supply, 70% for sanitation, and 18% for RSU.

“Having family tariffs does not mean they are fair. There are municipalities that don’t need family tariffs when they charge a single tariff, and others charge much higher rates and have family tariffs to address this discrepancy. However, these do not entirely correct the issue, resulting in a minimal difference,” noted Filipa Baker.

The annual bill for the three services can have differences of nearly 2,400 euros per year between municipalities due to geographical disparities in service access or lack of equity in consumption.

“For the same consumption per person, the price paid per cubic meter can vary significantly, depending on the municipality of residence and family size. Generally, the larger the family, the more one pays per liter or glass of water,” she observed.

A family of 10 pays 113 euros in Lajes das Flores, Azores, versus 2,502 euros in Barcelos, Braga district, while a family of five pays 967 euros in Fundão, Castelo Branco district, and 33 euros in Lajes das Flores, the study concluded.

A couple’s annual bill ranges between 20 euros (Lajes das Flores) and 398 euros (Trofa, Porto district), whereas a person living alone in these locations pays 19 euros and 309 euros, respectively.

Discrepancies are also noted within the same district regarding total bills for these services.

In Porto, a family with three children and grandparents (seven members) has an annual total bill of about 571 euros in Lousada, but if moving to Gondomar, they pay over 1,313 euros.

In Vila Real, a couple in Alijó has a total bill of just over 134 euros, whereas in Peso da Régua, it exceeds 353 euros.