The first thousand liters are free. Will there be a revolution in bills?

The Ministry of Infrastructure is working on an amendment to the Act on water supply and sewage disposal, which may reduce the amount of bills.
The new regulations provide that the first thousand liters of water each month will be free or the price will be a symbolic PLN 1. The Ministry of Infrastructure is working on changes to the law. However, local governments warn against negative financial consequences.
A thousand liters of water for free?
The Ministry of Infrastructure wants to introduce changes in water fees, offering the first cubic meter for free or for PLN 1. Deputy Minister Przemysław Koperski explains that this step is to ensure basic access to drinking water and encourage saving. The ministry is counting on a positive reaction from citizens and local governments, but the idea is controversial among local authorities.
Local governments have doubts
The Silesian Association of Municipalities and Districts expressed its concerns about the proposal. Local government officials warn that free water may threaten the finances of local water companies. Reduction in revenues may affect the quality of services and infrastructure maintenance. The union emphasizes that the costs of such a solution must be covered, and the water industry fears that this burden will fall on it.
Local governments will approve new tariffs
As part of the amendment to the Act, the Ministry of Infrastructure also wants to give local governments the power to approve water and sewage tariffs. Until now, tariffs were approved by Polish Waters, which led to conflicts between local governments and the water supply industry. The new regulations are intended to restore control over prices to municipalities, but Polish Waters will be able to intervene if the increases exceed 15%.
The new tariffs will be valid for a maximum of three years. Local governments will have the final say on approving or rejecting rates, which, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure, is expected to increase flexibility in responding to cost changes in the water supply industry.