Mijas Water Bills to Increase by 20% Starting July for Infrastructure Improvements

Mijas Approves Water Rate Hike for Infrastructure Upgrades

Residents of Mijas, Spain, will see their water bills increase by approximately 20% starting in July. The measure was approved during a recent full council meeting, with the governing team acknowledging a 19% rise, which they estimate will add an average of two euros per month to household bills. This adjustment is framed as a mandatory annual update in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and is intended to finance crucial upgrades to the municipality's water supply and sewage infrastructure.

Details of the Increase and Planned Improvements

The increase will be implemented by Acosol, the public company responsible for water management, which is dependent on the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Occidental. This marks only the second time water prices have risen in Mijas since 2010.

Key improvements planned include:

• The replacement of one-third of existing water meters with modern telegestion meters, designed for more efficient consumption management.
• The establishment of new customer service points to enhance user support.
• The construction of a new potable water pumping network to Mijas Pueblo, a multi-phase project with an estimated investment exceeding 13 million euros.
• Advanced management strategies for the sewer and storm drain network to prevent blockages, particularly during heavy rainfall.

Additionally, billing frequency will shift from quarterly to bi-monthly.

Political Reaction and Justification

The decision has met with strong criticism from opposition parties. The PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) has labeled the increase a 'rip-off' and suggested that the actual rise could exceed 20% due to modifications in consumption blocks, affecting both fixed fees and variable consumption charges.

Josele González, leader of the Mijas Socialists, stated that 'They have modified the consumption blocks, so most water consumers who used to pay in blocks 1 and 2 will now pay in blocks 1, 2 and 3. For families and businesses with higher consumption, bills will now cover all four consumption blocks.' The Citizens (Cs) party also deemed the increase 'disproportionate,' with spokesperson José Carlos Martín asserting that 'it is not the moment' for such a measure.

The governing team, however, defends the increase as a necessary update, citing a 2010 agreement with Acosol, signed by the PSOE at the time, which committed the municipality to annual CPI-based revisions. They argue that responsible action is required to avoid judicial claims and ensure the financial viability of essential water services.