According to the conclusions of the study, which analyses water bill tariffs (which includes water, sanitation and waste) and covers 308 Portuguese municipalities, there are significant disparities between municipalities.

The analysis was carried out based on tariffs in force in June 2024, and excluding VAT, water resources fee (TRH) and waste management fee (TGR), demonstrating the existence of differences in invoices, putting at risk equitable access to essential services.

“For example, for an annual consumption of 120m3 (120 cubic meters) of water, a family in Amarante pays an overall bill of 494.47 euros, while in Vila Nova de Foz Côa the cost of the three services is just 94.09 euros – a difference of 400 euros”, is highlighted in the study.

In the case of higher annual water consumption, of 180m3, the discrepancy in the overall bill worsens, according to the association, saying that Fundão has a bill of 776.74 euros and Foz Côa of 125.92 euros, that is, more of 650 euros difference.

According to the analysis, Amarante, Oliveira de Azeméis, Ovar, Albergaria-a-Velha and Baião are the five municipalities where the overall bill (120 m3/year) is highest.

Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Castro Daire, Terras do Bouro, Vila Flor and Vila Nova de Paiva record the lowest values.

“In annual consumption of 180 m3, the ‘top 5’ of those with the highest bill is occupied by Fundão, Oliveira de Azeméis, Santa Maria da Feira, Amarante and Espinho. At the bottom of the table are, again, the same five municipalities led by Vila Nova de Foz Coa”, according to the study.

According to an analysis by Deco Proteste, of the 20 municipalities with the highest bills, only five apply tariffs for large families on water, sanitation and waste.

“Deco PROteste does not find valid justifications for these disparities, which cannot be explained solely by differences in investments in network rehabilitation or by inefficiencies in systems management”, is mentioned in the analysis.

The consumer protection association also warns of “the financial unsustainability of some services, with very low cost coverage, which is also not desirable”.

However, Deco welcomed the strengthening of the powers of the Water and Waste Services Regulatory Entity (ERSAR), which will regulate, evaluate and audit the setting and application of tariffs, with effect from 2026.

Deco Proteste spokesperson, Mariana Ludovino, highlighted, quoted in the note, that tariff harmonization has the necessary conditions to occur in the not too distant future.

“Deco PROteste has always rejected price increases when systems are inefficient, or justified by drought or floods. Greater regulation and consequent harmonization will allow for more justice in access to essential services,” she said.