Tariff adjustments make water bills more expensive in Manaus; understand the changes
Residents of Manaus will see an increase in their water bills due to a 5.52% tariff adjustment implemented by the Águas de Manaus water company, affecting various consumer categories except for the Tarifa 10 category.
Residents of Manaus, Brazil, are facing increased water bills in 2026 due to a new tariff structure introduced by the local water utility, Águas de Manaus. This adjustment, which sees a rise of 5.52% in the cost per cubic meter compared to 2025 rates, applies to all categories including Social, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Public Authority, with the exception of the Tarifa 10 category. The increase is set to impact consumers across all consumption brackets, highlighting a significant development for local households.
The revised rates take effect from the March billing cycle, with specific increases noted in various user categories. For instance, the Social Tariff for the lowest consumption tier (0 to 15 m³) has increased from R$ 3.04 to R$ 3.20, while the Residential Tariff for the 0 to 10 m³ consumption band has risen from R$ 6.08 to R$ 6.41. This move is expected to elevate the financial burden on households, as the final bill adjustment will depend on individual consumption amounts monthly.
In response to the tariff hike, the Manaus City Hall announced that the Municipal Public Prosecutor’s Office (PGM) will be taking legal action against the increased rates, suggesting potential disputes over the adjustments. This response indicates broader political implications regarding the management of public utilities and their economic effect on consumers, particularly in areas struggling with water access and pricing challenges.