The costs of water and sewage are quite high in Germany compared to other European countries. So it is important to know how much you have to spend on the water in a year. Here is a formula that will help you.
This is how water and sewage costs are calculated
The costs for water and sewage generally depend first of all on consumption. In addition, there is the price for drinking water, about 0.2 cents according to Verivox, where, however, there are also differences from region to region. The municipality in turn sets the price based on the origin and quality of the water as well as on the pipe network.
- Two formulas result from the basic amount and the quantity of drinking water consumed. The second formula includes the annual wastewater consumption. Together with the energy price, this results in the water costs for one year.
- Water costs = (monthly basic charge x 12) + (annual consumption in cubic metres x energy price)
- Water costs = (monthly basic charge x 12) + (annual consumption of drinking water in cubic meters x working price for drinking water) + (annual consumption of wastewater in cubic meters x working price for wastewater)
Further information on water costs
If you live in rented accommodation, the landlord may charge the water costs together with the operating costs. This means that you can bill the costs according to consumption. But you can also charge according to the living space or the number of people living in the household. You can find information about this in the tenancy agreement.
- As a rule, tenants are billed on the basis of a flat rate, although there are also differences between the federal states here. In certain regions, the installation of water meters is compulsory, which requires the full calculation of the price.
- According to the Federal Statistical Office, you pay the equivalent of 2 euros for a cubic meter of water in Germany. From this figure, divided by 1000 liters, you can calculate the 0.2 cents from the first part.
- Thus, depending on the number of people and the region, completely different water prices can result. For example, according to a table at Verivox, you only pay 1.26 euros per cubic meter in Lower Saxony. In Baden-Württemberg, it is already 2.11 euros per cubic meter.
