This time, the price of water is starting to rise again. The resumption of effective drinking water distribution in Blois in 2016 led to a significant drop of 30% in 2018 excluding subscription in the price of m3. In 2020, after the transfer of drinking water competence to Agglopolys, the urban community decided to renew the last prices applied in 2019 by the municipalities and water unions. At the same time, it had implemented progressive smoothing in order to harmonize the invoices.
“The price of water remains in a low range”, assures Christophe Degruelle
This period in calm waters is over. After a unanimous vote by the office, community elected officials unflinchingly validated Tuesday evening in community council the principle of an increase in prices of + 4% per year over the next three years. “To get back afloat. » A decision which will generate 1 million euros in additional revenue which will make it possible to modernize the network and fight more effectively against leaks. “The price of water remains in a low range compared to what is practiced in other communities,” insists Christophe Degruelle. “Those who claim that water could be cheaper are demagogy. The conditions of access to the resource will change. This is a responsible choice. »
A regional comparative table shows that the drinking water and sanitation tariff would stand at €3.75 per m in 2027.3 in Blois compared to €3.48 in Tours, €3.61 in Orléans but €3.87 in Châteauroux, €4.66 in Romorantin, €5.16 in Grand Chambord, €5.7 in Vendôme and €6.28 in Chartres. And compared to cities of similar size, Agglopolys is still doing pretty well since most of them will happily exceed the €4 mark in 2024. In 2021, the median price in France stood at €4.02 per m3.
Meet water quality requirements
The Agglopolys executive recalls that price stability took place in a context of a strong recovery in inflation. The increase in prices therefore has a catch-up effect. “The increase of 4% per year will make it possible to meet water quality requirements and standards for the discharge of effluent into the natural environment,” is underlined. It is also affirmed the desire to make networks more efficient under penalty of suffering penalties, to make significant investments in installations and to support new practices to adapt to climate change. The PPI (Multi-year Investment Plan) provides for the renewal of 12,000 meters by 2029, including 5,000 before 2027.
It should be noted that some municipalities in Agglopolys remain outside this organization. Vineuil still depends on the Smaep water union (which also includes Saint-Claude-de-Diray and Huisseau-sur-Cosson) while Veuzain-sur-Loire, Valloire-sur-Cisse, Valencisse, Monteaux and Mesland are united in the Siep du Val de Cisse with two communes of Indre-et-Loire. Ultimately, all these little people will join the Eau de Blois service.
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