The drought tax comes into effect today, after the Knesset passed the 2009-10 Economic Arrangements Law last night. A family of four that consumes more than 16 cubic meters of water a month will pay NIS 28 for each addition cubic meter used. Previously, this charge was NIS 8.
Families larger than four persons are eligible for an additional three cubic meters of water a month per additional person at the regular rate charged for the first eight cubic meters of water a month.
The drought tax for families who reside in areas where the average daytime temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius for more than 20 days a year over the past three years will be NIS 16 per additional cubic meter of water consumed.
Water Authority director general Uri Shani told “IDF Radio" (Galei Zahal) today, "This year, there is simply no water. Had we experienced such a drought in previous years, people would be starving."
An enraged consumer told “IDF Radio", "Everything is always going up, and water is too. We really don’t understand how this system works. We only know that we'll pay more, and we have no idea how. But at least it will go to the Kinneret."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 15, 2009
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