New Delhi, Dec.1 (ANI): Residents of Delhi may soon find water costing as much, if not more than electricity, as the Delhi Government on Tuesday announced new tariff slabs for water supply. Water supply charges have increased from nearly one-and-a-half to almost three times the prevailing prices.

According to the new slabs, for 10,000 litres of water will cost Rs.82, for 10,000 to 20,000 litres; Rs. 470, and for 20,000 litres and above usage; Rs.180.

The new rates will come into effect from January 1,2010. It also necessitates for all to have a meter in place till Dec.31,2009.

The tariff was last increased in 2005.

Due to a lot of water meters in the city being defunct and many water connections unmetered, the residents were charged on average consumption basis.

The cash-strapped Delhi Jal Board (DJB) took the decision to revise its tariff rates at a board meeting held on Monday. (ANI)