Everything you need to know about water utilities, setup, billing, rates, and important considerations for new immigrants
Overview of Israel’s Water System
Israel has one of the world’s most advanced water management systems, featuring cutting-edge desalination technology, water recycling, and efficient distribution networks. The country operates 56 different water corporations whose role is to provide water and sewage services to municipalities throughout Israel.
Key Facts About Israel’s Water System
- 56 Water Corporations: Each municipality or region has its own water company
- National Standards: Water rates are uniform throughout the country and determined by the Israeli Water Authority
- Advanced Technology: About 80% of Israel’s domestic and municipal water comes from desalination
- Efficient Distribution: Comprehensive metering and billing systems track consumption precisely
Water Corporation Structure
Every municipality has its own company that deals with the administration and billing for water and sewage services. Some companies are part of the municipality itself, and are therefore dealt with within the municipality offices; however, others are private companies, with whom you will need to deal directly.
Regional Water Corporations
The water corporation is the company in charge of supplying water and sewage services and is responsible for the development, expansion, operation and maintenance of a municipality’s water, sewage and drainage networks.
Examples of Major Water Corporations:
- Hagihon Ltd: Serves Jerusalem (offers bills in Hebrew, English, Russian, Amharic, and Arabic)
- Mei Modiin: Serves Modiin-Maccabim-Reut area
- Mei Avivim: Serves northern regions
Setting Up Water Service
When Moving to a New Property
When moving to a new apartment or house, you must transfer the water bill to your name to avoid being charged for previous tenants’ consumption or debts.
Important: Failure to provide notification of property change will result in continued billing of the “outgoing” holder of the water bill. Therefore, anyone leaving or entering a property must notify the water corporation.
Required Documents
To register as a new water customer, you’ll typically need:
- Identification: Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID) or passport with visa
- Property Documentation: Rental agreement or purchase contract
- Meter Reading: Current water meter reading from the day you take possession
- Previous Tenant Information: Contact details for billing transition
Registration Process
Submit the application via Change of Consumer Application Form with the required documents. The request can be sent via:
- Online: Through the water corporation’s website
- Fax: To the corporation’s designated number
- Post: Mailed to the corporation office
- Email: Electronic submission where available
- In Person: At the corporation’s customer service office
Professional Services
Companies like MaZeKal offer comprehensive utility transfer services for approximately ₪299 ($80), handling electricity, water, gas, and Arnona registration in multiple languages (English, Russian, French, Italian).
Water Billing Structure
Billing Frequency
The water bill is issued every two months based on meter readings and is sent to the consumer’s mailbox or email address. The water bill does not come every month, but rather once every two to three months.
Bill Components
The water bill contains three main components:
1. Personal Consumption (צריכה פרטית)
The difference between the current meter reading and the previous one, representing your apartment’s actual water usage.
2. Shared Consumption (צריכה משותפת)
The difference between the sum of consumption in all of the building’s personal meters and the consumption read in the main water meter, divided by all apartments. This covers common area water usage.
3. Sewage Fee (ביוב)
The water used by an apartment for sewage, if it is connected to the local sewage system.
Bill Integration Options
In some places, the water bill is included as part of your Arnona (municipal tax) bill or as part of the Yishuv taxes, and in other places, you will receive independent bills.
Water Rates and Pricing
National Uniform Rates
Water rates are uniform throughout the country and are determined by the Water Authority. All regulations are set by the Israeli Water Authority.
Current Rate Structure (2024)
According to law, water and sewer rates since 2009 for residential consumption have two water tariffs only:
Rate A (Reduced Rate)
- Allowance: Up to 7 cubic meters per person for 60 days (3.5 cubic meters per person per month)
- Current Rate: ₪7.533 per cubic meter (before VAT)
- With VAT: ₪6.552 per cubic meter (includes 17% VAT)
Rate B (Higher Rate)
- Usage: Over 7 cubic meters per person for 60 days
- Current Rate: ₪12.123 per cubic meter (before VAT)
Business Rates
Businesses are charged at a higher rate of ₪12.123 per cubic meter (before VAT)
Minimum Billing
By law, clients are charged a minimum of 3 cubic meters of water every two months, even if the actual consumption was less.
Household Size Impact
The number of people living in a housing unit is automatically set at two, even if only one lives there. The monthly charge for residential housing is based on charging each person for 3.5 cubic meters of water at the low price.
Important: The importance of updating the number of people living in one household is critical for calculating the amount of water to which you are entitled at the lower rate.
No Discounts for Olim
Critical Information: Please note that if you are receiving an Oleh discount for Arnona, it will not apply to the water bill.
Unlike municipal taxes (Arnona), there are no special discounts or exemptions available for new immigrants (olim) regarding water bills. All residents pay the same rates based on consumption levels.
Available Discounts
Limited discounts are available for:
- Disabled persons: Those recognized by National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) are eligible for an additional 3.5 cubic meters of water at the lower monthly rate
- Low-income households: May qualify for reduced rates based on financial circumstances
Payment Methods
Payment Options
Water bills can be paid through:
- Bank branches: Cash, check, or credit card
- Post offices: Various payment methods accepted
- Online: Through the water corporation’s website
- Automatic payments (Hora’at Keva): Direct debit from bank account or credit card
- Phone: Automated payment systems where available
- Money changers: Some offer bill payment services for a fee
Payment Timing
The water bill must be paid according to the date on the bill. Failure to pay on time will result in interest charges according to the law.
Consequences of Non-Payment:
- Interest charges
- Legal enforcement costs
- Potential water service disconnection
- Liens on bank accounts
Meter Reading and Consumption
How Consumption is Measured
Water consumption is determined by water meter readings. The difference between the current reading and the previous reading determines the amount of consumption in units of cubic meters.
Meter Access
To allow for a proper water reading, please ensure that there is proper access to the meter. If there are not good conditions to read the meter, the corporation will assess water consumption in accordance with water regulations.
Estimated Bills
When the meter reading is abnormal as a result of a broken meter, stoppage, or other issues, the water corporation may by law provide an estimate or additional fee in accordance with the circumstances.
High Consumption Alerts
In accordance with water regulations, water corporations are required to report to consumers if their consumption rises 1.3 to 1.5 times the amount of consumption in the same period from the previous year.
Special Situations
Apartment Integration
In some places, the water bill is included as part of your Arnona (municipal tax) bill or as part of the Yishuv taxes, and in other places, you will receive independent bills.
Shared Properties
If multiple families share a property, water allocation and billing will be proportional to the number of residents registered in each unit.
Water Leaks
If you discover a water leak that resulted in unusually high consumption:
- Fix the leak immediately
- Fill out an application form for a special credit due to leakage
- Submit documentation to the water corporation
- The corporation may provide partial credit for the excessive consumption
Moving Out
When leaving a property:
- Submit notification to the water corporation
- Provide your new contact information for final billing adjustments
- Record the final meter reading
- The bill will automatically transfer to the property owner unless a new tenant registers
Customer Service and Support
Contact Information
Each water corporation has its own customer service system. General information:
- Jerusalem (Hagihon): *2070
- National Water Authority: 072-2755440
- Individual Corporations: Contact details found on bills and websites
Service Hours
Most water corporations operate customer service:
- Sunday-Thursday: 8:00-18:00
- Friday: 8:00-13:00
- Some locations: Extended hours including evening service
Language Support
- Hagihon (Jerusalem): Offers service in Hebrew, English, Russian, Amharic, and Arabic
- Other corporations: Primarily Hebrew, with some English support available
Important Tips for New Residents
When Moving In
- Record meter readings: Write down all utility meter readings immediately upon moving in
- Register promptly: Submit change of consumer forms as soon as possible
- Update household size: Ensure the correct number of residents is registered for proper rate calculation
- Keep documentation: Maintain copies of all registration forms and correspondence
Water Conservation
Israel’s advanced water technology doesn’t eliminate the need for conservation:
- Fix leaks promptly: Even small leaks can result in significant charges
- Monitor consumption: Check your usage patterns against previous bills
- Update household numbers: Ensure accurate resident count for proper billing tiers
Bill Management
- Pay on time: Avoid interest charges and potential service disconnection
- Review bills carefully: Check all components and meter readings
- Report discrepancies: Contact the corporation immediately if bills seem incorrect
- Keep records: Maintain copies of all bills and payments
Water Quality and Infrastructure
Quality Standards
Israel maintains extremely high water quality standards:
- Desalinated water: Meets or exceeds international standards
- Regular testing: Comprehensive monitoring throughout the distribution system
- Modern infrastructure: State-of-the-art treatment and distribution facilities
Emergency Services
Water corporations provide 24/7 emergency services for:
- Water main breaks: Major infrastructure failures
- Service interruptions: Unexpected outages
- Contamination issues: Water quality emergencies
- Meter problems: Faulty or damaged meters
Environmental Considerations
Water Sources
Israel’s water comes from:
- Desalination: ~80% of municipal supply
- Groundwater: Natural aquifers
- Recycled wastewater: Advanced treatment for agricultural use
- Surface water: Rivers and reservoirs
Conservation Efforts
The country maintains strict water management through:
- Tiered pricing: Encouraging conservation through rate structure
- Advanced metering: Precise consumption tracking
- Leak detection: Sophisticated monitoring systems
- Public education: Conservation awareness programs
Summary
Water service in Israel represents one of the world’s most advanced utility systems, combining cutting-edge technology with efficient management. While there are no special discounts for new immigrants, the system provides reliable, high-quality water at reasonable rates through a tiered pricing structure that encourages conservation.
Key Points for New Residents:
- No Olim Discounts: Water bills do not offer immigration-based discounts
- Register Immediately: Transfer bills to your name upon moving in
- Understand Billing: Three components include personal use, shared consumption, and sewage
- Two-Tier Pricing: Lower rates for basic consumption (3.5 cubic meters/person/month)
- Uniform National Rates: Same pricing structure throughout Israel
- Bi-Monthly Billing: Bills typically arrive every 2-3 months
- High Quality Standards: Advanced treatment and desalination technology
- Conservation Incentives: Progressive pricing encourages efficient use
The water system in Israel reflects the country’s innovative approach to resource management, ensuring reliable supply through advanced technology while maintaining affordability for residents. Understanding the billing structure and registration process will help you manage this essential utility effectively during your transition to life in Israel.
