Munich Drinking Water Price to Rise by 10 Cents (Net) per 1,000 Liters
Munich, Bavaria, Germany – June 3, 2026 – The cost of drinking water in Munich is set to increase by 10 cents (net) per 1,000 liters, effective July 1, 2026. This change is a direct result of a new ‘water cent’ levy approved by the Bavarian State Parliament, which will be imposed on groundwater extraction across the Free State.
The Bavarian State Parliament’s decision mandates the collection of a water extraction fee, often referred to as a ‘water cent,’ for the extraction of groundwater. This measure aims to assign a value to this essential resource and encourage its sustainable use. Bavaria is now the 14th German federal state to implement such a water extraction fee.
Impact on SWM and Consumers
Stadtwerke München (SWM), as the water supplier for Munich, is obligated to remit this ‘water cent’ to the Free State. The fee is uniformly set at 10 cents (net) per cubic meter of extracted groundwater. SWM has stated that these additional costs cannot be offset through internal cost reductions.
Consequently, the consumption price for drinking water in Munich will increase from the current 1.74 Euros (net) per cubic meter to 1.84 Euros (net) per cubic meter. Including the 7% value-added tax, the gross price will be 1.97 Euros per cubic meter.
Household Impact
For an average two-person household in Munich, consuming approximately eight cubic meters of water per month, this price adjustment will result in an additional monthly cost of 86 cents for drinking water, starting from July 1.
Background of the Water Rights Amendment
The introduction of the ‘water cent’ is part of a broader water rights amendment. Its primary objective is to emphasize the value of water as a vital resource and to promote its careful and responsible management. By attaching a financial cost to groundwater extraction, authorities hope to incentivize more efficient water usage and conservation efforts.
This move aligns Bavaria with a growing number of German states that have recognized the importance of pricing natural resources to ensure their long-term sustainability. The implementation of such fees is a common strategy to fund water protection measures and encourage responsible environmental practices.
SWM’s Commitment to Sustainable Water Supply
Despite the necessary price increase, SWM continues to emphasize its commitment to providing high-quality drinking water to Munich residents. The utility company manages extensive water protection areas and employs advanced technologies to ensure the purity and safety of the city’s water supply.
Further information regarding the water rights amendment and its implications can be found on the official websites of the Bavarian State Parliament and Stadtwerke München.
