Water utility tariffs undergo changes in Bucaramanga and Pasto

Utility companies in Colombia are implementing changes to water service tariffs following new methodologies established by the Commission for the Regulation of Drinking Water and Basic Sanitation (CRA).

In Bucaramanga, the Acueducto Metropolitano de Bucaramanga has announced it will postpone a planned 25% increase in water service rates until December 2026. This decision was made to allow for ongoing national discussions regarding CRA Resolution 1032 of 2026. However, manager Juan Carlos Suárez noted that while the water service rate is frozen, total bills may still rise because sewage and waste collection fees—which are managed independently—are not subject to this freeze. For instance, Empas has confirmed a 19.5% increase for sewage services.

In Pasto, a 5% increase in water service tariffs took effect on July 1 as part of the implementation of the new national regulatory framework. The impact on monthly bills is estimated to range between $700 and $2,000 pesos, depending on the user's socioeconomic status and consumption levels.