KWSC Clarifies Increase in Karachi Water and Sewerage Charges

The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has explained that the recent 7.05% hike in water and sewerage rates is an annual adjustment tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for FY 2025-26. KWSC states the typical monthly bill for residential and business customers was about Rs. 900 in FY 2025-26, which has risen to roughly Rs.

1,000 per month in FY 2026-27. This represents an extra Rs. 100 per month for the average customer. KWSC's Chief Commercial Officer, Haris Sarfraz, said the tariff revision follows the rules of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation Act. The new rates will affect approximately 1.289 million domestic and commercial customers in Karachi, along with around 8,000 bulk and industrial customers.

For these larger consumers billed by volume, the rate has risen from 0.526 paisa per gallon to 0.563 paisa per gallon, in line with the 7.05% CPI-based increase. Sarfraz explained KWSC is grappling with higher costs, including electricity, fuel, repairs, and the renovation of outdated infrastructure. He said the tariff change aims to help the corporation recover these costs, bolster its financial health, and ensure the long-term viability of its services.

The extra money from the higher tariffs will be used to fix water delivery and distribution systems, repair vital facilities, upgrade the sewer system, and enhance overall service quality. Sarfraz stressed the revision isn't just about boosting revenue. He said improving KWSC's financial stability will enable the corporation to keep investing in infrastructure and deliver more dependable, efficient, and sustainable water and sewerage services to Karachi residents.