What is the price of m3 of water in France, how does it compare with bottled water and how can you reduce your bill?
Table of contents
Price per m3 of water in France
How is the price determined?
Price per m3 of water in France is determined by a number of factors, including the costs of treating, distributing and maintaining the water network.
Consumers do not pay directly for water, which is a natural resource, but pay the local water services for their work.
Price variations across the country
Water charges vary considerably from one municipality to another. In 2022, the average price per m3 of water in France was €4.30. This price is divided into 2: the price for drinking water (€2.11) and the price for wastewater treatment (€2.19).Â
However, it should be noted that each local authority sets its own ratesThis can lead to significant differences in water prices.
Example of the price of m3 of water in major cities
To illustrate the price changesFor example, let's take a look at the price per m3 of water in France's largest cities on 1 January 2022.
- Paris: €3.68
- Marseille: €3.97
- Lyon: €3.21
- Toulouse: €3.01
- Nice: €3.94
- Nantes: €3.58
- Strasbourg: €2.88
You might wonder how you manage to come up with an average of €4.3 when you see the prices in the big cities.Â
Here are a few examples of where the price of water per m3 is much higher, this time in local authorities:
- next to Paris in Vélizy-Villacoublay, the cost of a m3 of water is €5.45!
- Near Lyon, in Bessenay, the cost of m3 of water is €6.3!
All these figures clearly show that the price of water can vary considerably from one town to another.
Price per m3 of water in my town / city
How can I find the price in my local area?
There are several ways to find out the price per m3 of water in your local authority. You can find out by view your water billContact the Town Hall or consult online resources.
For example, the price of water in Paris is managed by the Établissement public local à caractère industriel et commercial (EPIC) (EAU DE PARIS : https://www.eaudeparis.fr/).
Online resources available for price information
There are several online tools that can help you find the price of water in your local authority. The best resource we've found is theNational Observatory of Water Services and sanitation. An interactive map is available to help you find this information: https://services.eaufrance.fr/carte-interactive. The images above were taken from their map.
Different price managers depending on location
As in the case of major cities, the price of water also varies from one commune to another. In Pessac, a commune in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Suez Eau Bordeaux is responsible for water distribution. And in Boucau, also in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the water is managed by the Pays Basque agglomeration (Communauté d'Agglomération Pays Basque secteur Côte Basque-Adour).
Read also:Â Average water consumption in French households - Facts and figures
A brief comparison with the price of bottled water
Let's do the math and compare it to the price of plastic water bottles:
Let's take :
- average price of m3 of water (including tax) in France in 2022: €4.30
- the average price for a litre of bottled water, and a plastic one at that (!): €0.46 (https://www.combien-coute.net/bouteille-eau/france/) .
1m3 is equal to 1000 litres, which comes to 460€, i.e. 107 times more expensive than m3 of tap water!
So it's obviously smart to use tap water and purify it to give it the same taste, or even make it better than bottled water!
Factors influencing the price of m3 of spring water
Size of community
La community size has an impact on the price of water. For example, in a large city, the water distribution network can be more complex and costly to maintain, which can increase the price of water.
On the other hand, a small municipality can have operating costs lower, but it may also have fewer resources to invest in infrastructure, which may also influence the price.
Below are 2 neighbouring communes around Nantes with a difference of €1.44 per m3 :
Water quality
La water quality can also affect the price. If the water requires more intensive treatment to be drinkable, this can increase costs.
Furthermore, efforts to protect water sources from pollution (due to the presence of pesticides, for example) can also be costly, which is reflected in the price of water.
Read also: Water hardness: What is hard water and how do you measure it at home?
Quality of water treatment equipment
Water treatment equipment, such as treatment plants, pumps and pipes, requires regular maintenance and sometimes repairs or replacement. These costs are generally passed on to consumers in the form of higher tariffs.
Reduce your water bill
Understanding your water consumption
It's important to understand your water consumption so that you can keep it under control. Most water bills are divided into two parts: a fixed portionwhich covers service costs, and a variable portionwhich depends on the amount of water consumed.
Tips for saving water
There are many ways to reduce water consumption and therefore your bill. Here are a few tips:
- Reduce water wastage by repairing leaks quickly.
- Install water-saving devices, such as aerator taps or dual-flush toilets.
- Use rainwater to water the garden or wash the car.
- Take a shower rather than a bath.
- Avoid letting the water run unnecessarily, for example when brushing your teeth.
Conclusion
As we have seen, the price per m3 of water varies considerably in FranceThe price depends on the municipality and the costs associated with water treatment and distribution.Â
To reduce your water bill, it's important to understand your consumption and take steps to save water.Â
On the other hand, it's still much cheaper than bottled water, and its quality is even better when it's purified (in particular with our tap water purifier with its unique UV-A systempatented and award-winning! :))
FAQ on water prices in France
📉 Which regions have the cheapest water?
The price of water varies greatly from region to region in France. It is difficult to determine exactly where water is cheapest, as prices are set by each municipality individually. Nevertheless, according to the data available for 2023, the PROVENCE ALPES CÔTES D'AZUR region and the CENTRE VAL DE LOIRE region are the regions where water is cheapest per m3, at €3.28/m3 and €3.82/m3 respectively.
Where is water most expensive in France?
On average, ÎLE-DE-FRANCE (€5.71/m3) and HAUTS-DE-FRANCE (€5.27/m3) are the regions where water is most expensive.
How can I find out the price of water per m3 in my local authority?
To find out the exact price of water per m3 in your municipality, you can consult your water bill, which should show all the charges: drinking water, public sewerage, water charges and taxes. You can also use an interactive online map to find out the price in your area (Source : https://services.eaufrance.fr/carte-interactive).
How much water do 2 people need?
On average, a two-person household consumes around 108 m3 of water per year (or 54 m3 for individual consumption - Source : https://eau.selectra.info/consommation).
How do you calculate the price of a cubic metre of water?
To calculate the price of a cubic metre of water, several elements need to be taken into account: the cost of the water service (abstraction, treatment, distribution), as well as any charges and taxes? You can find a calculator here: https://www.services-eau-france.fr/consommation-eau/prix-m3/).
What is the average price of water per m3 in France?
The average price of water per m3 in France in 2023 will be €4, and €4.3 in 2022. However, this price can vary significantly depending on the commune and the region.
How is the price of water set in France?
In France, the price of water is set by local authorities, often in collaboration with drinking water management companies.
However, residents of municipalities that have favourable agreements with water suppliers or that have easy access to drinking water may have lower costs.
📊 Is there an impact between the price per m3 of water and French people's consumption?
It is not certain that the price of a m3 of water has a direct impact on French people's consumption. However, a clear understanding of the price can encourage more responsible and thrifty consumption.
What does my water bill consist of?
My water bill is made up of several elements, including the cost of the water service (abstraction, treatment, distribution) and any charges and taxes.
Why isn't water free?
Water is not free because its distribution and purification cost money. Water has to be extracted, treated to make it drinkable, distributed to homes, wastewater collected, treated and discharged.
Water prices too high: how can I lower my bills?
To lower your water bills, it can be beneficial to monitor your consumption and avoid wasting water. It can also be useful to check the rates in your local area and see if there are ways of getting better rates.
Can an individual negotiate the price of a m3 of water?
In general, an individual may find it difficult to negotiate water rates directly with the supplier or the municipality, as rates are often set at a collective level and are not subject to individual negotiation.
However, this does not mean that an individual cannot take action to influence these tariffs. For example, an individual can become a civic activist to advocate for lower or fairer water tariffs.
They can attend council or water authority meetings, voice their concerns and propose solutions.
In addition, they can work with consumer defence groups or environmental organisations to advocate policies that reduce water tariffs.
Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.
Article written on 27/07/2023 and updated on 24/07/2024
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