Summary

In this Study Session, you have learned that:

• Water tariffs are needed to recover the costs associated with the treatment and distribution of drinking water.
• There are four main types of water tariff: uniform flat rate; single-block rate; two-part tariff; and the rising block tariff.
• Water meters can be simple devices that require a person to read them (either manually or using a handheld computer) and generate a water bill. Alternatively, they can be smart meters that send data to the water utility automatically using wireless technology for preparation of a water bill by computer. Smart meters allow water usage to be monitored, making discovery of a leak easy.
• Microloans can be a way for low-income households to obtain their own private taps. Over time, this will reduce the proportion of their income spent on water, leaving more money for other needs of the household.