5,000 for water?! Don residents urged to install meters to avoid astronomical bills

Rostovvodokanal has called on residents to install water meters after the multiplying factor for standard-rate water charges was raised from 1.5 to 3.

Feb 5, 2026

Rostovvodokanal advises residents to call an inspector if a meter cannot be installed in their home.
Source:
Elena Buivol / VLADIVOSTOK1.RU

Rostovvodokanal (the Rostov Water Utility) has urged Don residents to install water meters to reduce their utility costs. As of January 1 of this year, the multiplying factor applied to water charges based on the standard consumption rate has increased from 1.5 to 3.

“For example, for a family of 3, the monthly payment for cold water alone will exceed 5,000 rubles (about $55 at current rates). In a private house during the watering season, this amount can increase several times,” states the Rostovvodokanal website.

If it is technically impossible to install a meter in the premises, an inspector from Rostovvodokanal must be called. The inspector will conduct a survey, draw up an official report, and the multiplying factor will not be applied.

The charge for cold water has increased since the beginning of 2026 for all Russians without meters. The Ministry of Construction stated this was done precisely to encourage citizens to install metering devices and have them checked on time.