“Encouraging people to consume less”: the metropolis of Lyon will implement new water pricing

Jean-Luc Boujon (correspondent in Lyon) / Photo credit: MAGALI COHEN / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP 2:26 p.m., March 6, 2024

An original initiative to say the least.

In order to encourage sobriety and reduce water consumption by 15% by 2035, the metropolis of Lyon has decided to modify the calculation of the water bill.

This will involve establishing progressive rates based on water consumption. 

The first 12 cubic meters will thus be free for everyone.

A second tranche will then come for consumption of between 120 and 180 cubic meters per year.

In this case, a standard rate will be applied.

This bracket should,

, include all large families.

Consume 15% less water by 2035

Finally, beyond 180 cubic meters, for the largest consumers, those who fill their swimming pool, for example, the price will simply be doubled.

The idea is to encourage moderation.

“One of our objectives is to consume 15% less water by 2035. So, we want to support residents in their sobriety. Water is a rare resource and the Rhône, which supplies us with drinking water, will lose 20% of its flow by 2050. So, encouraging residents to consume less is part of our policy of preserving water resources", explains Bruno Bernard, environmentalist president of the Lyon metropolis. 

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The system was developed over 18 months, notably with user groups.

“We have both a principle of fairness for everyone, a principle of solidarity with the most precarious populations. And we have an environmental principle which is to ensure that water consumption is reduced. So it is a good thing", rejoices Lucien Angeletti of the Water, common good association.

Professionals will also be entitled to new pricing, but different.

The price will be increased by 15% for the largest consumers of water.

Everything will apply from 2025.