THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rate of drinking water in the state will increase from Friday. A five per cent increase will be there in the basic rate. With this, it will be Rs 4.41 paise per 1000 litres for a domestic consumer. The current rate is Rs 4. 20 paise. The rise in drinking water rates is along with the rising prices of essential commodities such as fuel and cooking gas. The water authority is raising rates by five per cent on all slabs of domestic, non-domestic and industrial connections.

The minimum rate for 5000 litres of water will be Rs 22.05 paise. The present rate is Rs 21. For using above 10,000 litres per month, there will be a five per cent increase in the bill based on seven slabs.

BPL families using up to 15,000 liters per month will continue to be free. For non-domestic consumers, the price will go up from Rs 15.75 per 1,000 liters to Rs 16.54 per litre. The new rate for industrial connections is Rs 44.10 per 1,000 litres. The increase in drinking water rates is a measure of the central government's ability to raise the state's debt ceiling. The rate hike started last year.