Families face higher bills as Dutch water authority taxes rise up to €32 in 2026

Water authority taxes in the Netherlands are set to rise again in 2026, though at a slower pace than in recent years, the Union of Water Boards announced following a survey of all 21 water authorities.

Homeowning families can expect to pay an average of 32 euros more, while single renters will see an increase of 10 euros. For a four-person household in a home valued at 370,000 euros, the tax will climb nearly 7 percent, from 478 to 510 euros. Single renters will face a rise from 203 to 213 euros.

Since 2023, water authority taxes have increased sharply. Families with their own homes have seen annual hikes of tens of euros: over 11 percent in 2024 and nearly 8 percent this year.

“Not a pleasant message, we fully understand that,” said Vincent Lokin, board member of the Union of Water Boards. “But raising rates is simply unavoidable and necessary to keep living, working, and recreating safely and healthily in the Netherlands. If we don’t invest heavily now, we risk pushing problems onto future generations. Investments are needed in water storage, dike reinforcement, improving water quality, and better sewage treatment. Prices and labor costs are also rising for the water authorities themselves.”

The Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reported that the 21 water authorities are expected to collect 4.3 billion euros this year, over 300 million euros more than in 2024. CBS also calculated that water authority taxes have increased 41 percent over the past five years.

Tax rates vary by region and household composition. Property owners and users will receive their 2026 tax assessments around March 1.