Panaji: Chairman of the Minister of Pramod Sawant on Tuesday announced the implementation of ‘saving water for a free water scheme, in accordance with 16,000 liters of drinking water which can be used for free by each family in Goa.
The implementation of the scheme starts from September 1.
But, according to the scheme, to benefit from it, the family must limit their monthly use of only 16,000 liters.
If the family uses anything above 16,000 liters per month, they have to pay not only for the amount of balance used, but the entire amount of water is used.
For example, if the use of household water touches 17,000 liters per month, the family must pay for all 17K used and not only for 1,000 liters used above the 16K limit.
“Domestic consumers who consume more than 16 cubic meters per month will be billed according to the rates that apply to all their water consumption,” said the scheme.
However, PWD officials said that tariffs for water consumers have been revised and using water above a certain extent will attract flat costs, ensuring that the bill remains reasonable.
The minimum level for water consumption has been carried out from Rs 2.50 to Rs 3.50 per cubic meter.
Officials say that the idea is to motivate consumers to limit their use, or hiking rates will apply.
The level between RS 3.5 to RS 15 per cubic meter will apply to those who use more than 16,000 liters of water per month.
Rates have been broken down now to be different slabs and for those who consume above 40 cubic meters a month, flat costs will apply now.
PWD officials insist that 60% of domestic consumers will benefit from free water schemes up to 16,000 liters.
“In Goa, the water consumption of the average urban household is 170 liters per day and for rural households, it is 70 liters per day.
For a family of four, this managed to be around 21,000 liters or 21 cubic meters per month for households Urban four people and around 8,500 liters or 8.5 cubic meters per month for rural households for four people, “said an official.
Going with this calculation, officials said, most rural consumers have benefited with their low use.
Officials hope urban households will be motivated to reduce their use by several cubic meters to benefit from the new scheme.
“At present, we produce around 530mLD water treated in Goa in a day.
There is a lack of water around 70mLD at this time, such as demanding demand,” said Minister PwD Deepak Pauskar.