Water is becoming more expensive throughout Ukraine: local authorities are revising tariffs

Where tariffs have already been raised

New tariffs have already been introduced or started to be applied in Chernivtsi, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih and Drohobych.

The most revealing example is Chernivtsi, where the cost of a cubic meter of water has increased from UAH 27.9 to UAH 63.2, that is, more than twice.

In many other communities, public discussions on new tariffs are ongoing, and July could be a period of mass review of the cost of services across the country.

What is happening in Kyiv

"Kyivvodokanal" also submitted a proposal to increase tariffs.

The company proposes to increase:

• - water supply — from UAH 16.16 to UAH 50.69 per cubic meter;

• - drainage — from UAH 14.22 to UAH 38.21.

If approved, the total tariff could increase from UAH 30.38 to UAH 88.9 per cubic meter

However, KMDA said that the city has not yet agreed to such an increase. The capital authorities reminded that the tariff remains valid UAH 63.79 per cubic meter, which was approved by the NCRECP back in 2024.

Why did the tariffs begin to be reviewed now?

Until 2026, water tariffs were set by the NKRECP. After the start of the full-scale war, they were practically not reviewed, although water utilities repeatedly declared that their work was unprofitable due to the increase in the price of electricity, materials and repairs.

In February 2026, the Verkhovna Rada changed the legislation, transferring the authority to set tariffs to local self-government bodies for the period of martial law and for another year after its end.

It was after this that local communities began to review the cost of services, gradually bringing it closer to an economically justified level.

What this means for consumers

It is expected that during the year, most Ukrainian cities will revise the tariffs for water supply and drainage. Decisions will be made by local councils, so the pace and scale of increases may differ significantly depending on the financial status of a particular water utility and the position of local authorities.