Consumers on Nevis saw new Water Rates officially taking effect on Mar. 1st. In November 2023, Minister of Water Services, Spencer Brand, first made the announcement of “serious consideration” for the increase in water rates on the island.

What are the contributing factors? Price of water meters have increased (for example from over US $40 to more than US $100 per unit), in the construction sector building more houses mean increased demand on the water system.

The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) is embarking on its EC $5 million dollar Water Drilling project. The bidding process has concluded and it is NIA’s hope that by the end of the 2nd quarter of 2024, the drilling is completed for the first three wells.

As of Mar. 1st, domestic (or residential) consumers using less than 2000 gallons will pay $13 per 1000 gallons, more than 2000 gallons will attract a rate of $20 per 1000 gallons. Hotels, industrial, and commercial entities will pay a rate of $35 per 1000 gallons for up to 20,000 gallons, and $45 above that threshold.

Consumers of non-potable water for irrigation will pay $28 per 1000 gallons. However, there is no charge for seniors using less than 3000 gallons. Seniors using more than 3000 gallons would incur a rate of $20 per 1000 gallons.