Water prices Krk 2026: what landlords need to know now about the new charges and deadlines
Water supply on the island of Krk is facing the biggest tariff reform in over 17 years. The local utility Ponikve has announced comprehensive changes to the price structure for water and wastewater, which are particularly relevant for homeowners and landlords of holiday properties. To be able to plan economically, it’s crucial to know the new cost factors and deadlines.
Here you’ll find all the details on the new pricing, the background and the specific impact on your running-cost calculation.
First things first: deadlines and timetable
So that you as a landlord can prepare for the cost increases in good time, here is an overview of the key dates:
- Ongoing deadline: The public consultation phase is currently running (30 days from publication of the draft). Citizens can inspect the drafts and send comments to
info@ponikve.hr. - 1 January 2026: The new calculation basis and prices for water supply and wastewater disposal come into force.
- 1 July 2026: Introduction of a completely new charge for wastewater treatment (pročišćavanje otpadnih voda).
Why are water prices on Krk rising?
According to Ponikve, the price adjustment is not an arbitrary decision but a legal and economic necessity. Water prices have not been raised since 2008, and wastewater charges have been stable for over 14 years. The following factors now make the increase unavoidable:
- Legal requirements: A new regulation of the Croatian government from 2023 prescribes transparent, cost-covering calculation.
- Inflation and cost explosion: Higher material costs, higher prices for services and necessary salary adjustments for staff strain the budget.
- Protecting investment: According to Ponikve, current prices no longer cover operating costs. Without adjustment, an investment freeze and deterioration of infrastructure loom.
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The new costs in detail: block tariff and fixed costs
For landlords, the switch to a block tariff in the variable part of the bill is particularly relevant. The principle is simple: the more you consume, the significantly more you pay per cubic metre. This is intended to encourage water saving and hits “luxury consumption” such as filling pools or intensive garden watering harder.
Specific increases in fixed costs (Krk location)
Monthly basic charges are rising noticeably:
- Water supply (fixed part): Increase of 15.70% (from €6.37 to €7.37).
- Wastewater disposal (fixed part): Increase of 63.77% (from €3.45 to €5.65).
- NEW from July 2026: Fixed charge for wastewater treatment of €4.04.
Sample calculations for average households
Ponikve has published sample calculations showing how the total monthly burden changes. You should use these figures for your price calculation for the 2026 season:
- Consumption 15 m³/month: The bill rises from approx. €36.62 to 65,22 € (+€28.60).
- Consumption 30 m³/month: The bill rises from approx. €62.14 to 115,48 € (+€53.34).
Note for landlords with a pool: As consumption of 30 m³ is quickly reached in the season with guests and pool care, you must expect additional costs of over €600 per year.
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Quality and infrastructure: what we pay for
Despite the price increases, Ponikve emphasises the high efficiency of the system on the island of Krk compared with the national average:
- Low water losses: While on average 51% of water is lost in the network in Croatia, on Krk it is only 14.7%.
- Security of supply: Thanks to major investments, there have been no water restrictions since 1986, even in high summer with 130,000 people on the island.
- Water quality: 100% of samples are compliant; in 99.5% of the area the water is drinkable.
Planned investments
The additional revenue will go into expanding and securing the network:
- Second phase of Krk water supply (€40 million).
- Reconstruction of the main pipeline across the Krk bridge (€2 million).
- Expansion of the sewer system in places such as Sv. Anton, Kremenići, Lakmartin and Muraj.
Merger with Cres and Lošinj
Another strategic change is the legally prescribed integration of the Cres and Lošinj systems into Ponikve. Through synergies, this is intended to increase planning security and facilitate access to EU funding for the entire Kvarner region. The investment plans for Krk remain unaffected.
Conclusion: action needed for landlords
Water prices on Krk in 2026 will significantly increase the operating costs of holiday properties. The introduction of the block tariff in particular penalises high water consumption, which is often unavoidable in tourism.
Recommendation: Review your rental prices for the 2026 season early. If you include running costs as a flat rate, adjusting nightly rates is advisable to absorb additional costs of up to €50 or more per month. Also use the current consultation phase to inform yourself about the details.
“Water is not necessary to life, it is life itself.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
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