The cost of operating Singapore's water supply system, including treating water, managing reservoirs and maintaining the islandwide network of water pipelines, has ballooned from $500 million in 2000 to $1.3 billion in 2015.
PUB said yesterday that this is due to resources and development becoming more expensive.
Rising costs as well as conservation were cited by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat when he announced the 30 per cent water price hike during his Budget speech on Monday.
At a Budget forum yesterday, participants asked if there were other ways to encourage conservation, such as penalising heavy users. Senior Minister of State for Finance Indranee Rajah said the rise in price is also aimed at ensuring Singapore will have a continued supply of water.
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Water price increase dominates Budget forum
