Water cost calculator 2026: monthly and per m3
How much do you pay for water? Pick the number of people and your water company and see your costs per month, per cubic metre and per litre right away.
Read your meter and calculate water use · Understand your water bill and monthly budget
How are drinking-water tariffs calculated?
The standing charge is an annual connection fee independent of use. You also pay per m3 (1,000 litres). In 2026 Dutch water tax is € 0.437 per m3 before VAT, capped at 50,000 m3 a year. Water charges and this tax attract 9% VAT. Compare figures on the same VAT basis. Your address determines the supplier; connection types can have different rates.
This tool estimates a full year for a standard connection. Divide yearly costs by 12 for a monthly budget. The Nibud average is an assumption, not your supplier’s tariff. Sewer charges, water-board levies, extra administration and water heating are excluded. Invoice rounding may differ.
Frequently asked questions
What does an extra m3 of water cost?
Savings use the variable rate plus tax and VAT. The standing charge does not change when use falls. The all-in unit price also spreads the standing charge over your usage, so it is a different figure.
How do I read my water meter?
Record two readings and dates. Subtract the start reading from the end for m3 used. Multiply by 1,000 for litres, then divide by days and residents for litres per person per day.
Does this include sewer and water-board charges?
No. This estimates drinking water only. Sewer charges go to the municipality and water-board levies to the water board. Water heating and extra services are also excluded.
Worked example: 100 m3 with Vitens in 2026
This example assumes two people, a standard metered connection and 100 m3 a year. Before VAT: € 52,00 annual standing charge, € 1,23 per m3 and € 0,437 water tax per m3. VAT is 9%. Extra services and local levies are excluded.
(€ 52,00 + 100 × (€ 1,23 + € 0,437)) × 1.09 = € 238,38 a year. Divide by 12: € 19,87 a month.
Including the standing charge, that is € 2,38 per m3 or 0.24 cents a litre. This average is not the saving per litre.
Reducing use from 100 to 80 m3 saves € 36,34 a year in this example. The standing charge stays unchanged. Heating water is on your energy bill.
All results are indicative and not financial advice.