A PUBLIC hearing for officials to explain the rise in water prices was held by the Shanghai Development and Reform Commission yesterday as the city seeks to reform its water fee system.

The upcoming water fee hike is intended to cover the cost of the increasing water infrastructure construction and to encourage water conservation.

Most consumer representatives agreed that a moderate rise in water fee is to ensure water suppliers and sewage service providers serve citizens with quality water, and a minimal hike will have little impact on residents’ household expenditure.

Investment in the city’s water supply and sewage system has been increasing in recent years, which has led a significant rise in water suppliers’ costs.

Most representatives stressed the fact that citizens now care more about water quality and the improvement in water supply and sewage service.

Suggestions were made about strengthening the transformation and maintenance of old water pipelines, among others.