Municipal water supply, 2002

The remaining water is supplied to the food industry (8 per cent), other industries (13 per cent) and to agriculture and other consumers (7 per cent). About one third of the water production is lost due to leakages in the pipeline system.

Water quality

98 per cent of all tests carried out in the municipal water works in 2002 on the content of thermo-tolerant intestinal bacteria were satisfactory according to the national quality standards. The tests carried out on color and acidity were slightly less satisfactory with an average of 93 and 90 per cent respectively. The quality of water is varying between the different municipalities (figure 1 to 3). Lack of treatment facilities in some water works, mainly in western and northern Norway, is probably the main cause of negative tests on thermo-tolerant intestinal bacteria in the water. Two of the main causes of high acidity in the water are run-off from acidic rocks in mountainous areas, and emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen resulting in acidic rain in parts of the country. Color in the water is mainly caused by humus from decomposed organic matter, primarily affecting lower lying areas of the country.

Economic figures

The total investments in municipal water supply in 2002 amounted to NOK 1 250 million, or NOK 274 per capita. NOK 234 million were invested in water production plants and NOK 1 015 million in distribution of water.

The municipalities' costs for production and distribution of water amounted to a total of NOK 3 491 million in 2002. NOK 3 203 million, or 92 per cent of the costs, were covered by fees.

Fees

In 2003 the average annual fee for Norwegian households (for a private dwelling of 120 m²) is NOK 2 055. The inhabitants have by law the right to choose payment by stipulated or measured water use. When choosing to pay according to water used, the subscribers have often had to pay for a minimum of water. However, more and more municipalities offer a two-level fee system, consisting of one fixed portion and one variable fee according to water used. In 2003 43 per cent of the municipalities offered this kind of fee system.

Tables:

• Table 1 Investment, costs, income, cost coverage ratio and number of inhabitants, by county. 2002
• Table 2 Water fees, for a private dwelling of 120 m2. Municipal figures. 2003. NOK