Dutch water-board taxes set to rise again in 2027

Water-board taxes in the Netherlands are expected to rise again in 2027, with households who own their home paying an average €35 more and renters facing an average increase of 7%, according to the Association of Regional Water Authorities. The figures are estimates based on proposals now being considered by the country’s 21 water boards, which are setting their rates for next year.

A single person renting a home is expected to pay €228, up €15. A household in an owner-occupied home with a property value of €370,000 would pay an average €535, an increase of €35. Actual bills vary by region and household composition, the association said. Property owners and occupiers are due to receive their assessments around 1 March.

The association said increases had been limited to a few euros a year for a long period, but had reached tens of euros annually since 2023. It attributed the rises partly to higher energy costs and partly to the need for water boards to respond to climate change. Almost all boards incurred extra costs last summer to limit the effects of a prolonged dry spell.

The authorities manage flood defences, water quality and wastewater treatment. Association board member Floor Wissing-Kunst said extreme weather was putting their work under pressure, with dry spells alternating with periods of heavy rain. She also said the boards were preparing for disruptions such as prolonged power cuts and cyberattacks, so that pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants could keep operating.

The 21 water boards collected more than €4.6bn in tax this year, compared with €3.1bn in 2021.