Kalyan: Consumers receiving water supply from MIDC in the Dombivli MIDC area have expressed concern after being asked to pay an additional deposit along with their latest water bills. MIDC provides water to residential, industrial, commercial, and rural areas and issues monthly bills to around 1,850 registered consumers.

About a year ago, MIDC increased water tariffs across Maharashtra by Rs 1 to Rs 4 per cubic meter. In Dombivli, the rate was raised by Rs 1 per cubic meter for residential consumers and by Rs 3 for industrial and commercial users. Currently, the residential rate stands at Rs 9.25 per cubic meter, while industrial and commercial consumers pay Rs 25.25 per cubic meter. In addition, drainage charges equivalent to the total water consumption are added to the bill, along with 18% GST on those charges.

Over the past three days, MIDC has begun distributing the latest water bills, leaving several customers surprised by the inclusion of an additional deposit amount. Residential consumers have reportedly received deposit demands ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 9,450, while commercial and industrial users have been asked to pay even higher amounts. The bills, including the extra deposit, must be paid by March 23, 2026.

According to MIDC, the deposit amount is calculated based on the average bill of the last ten months, with three months’ estimated charges considered as a security deposit. If the previously collected deposit is lower than this amount, the difference is added to the current bill.

However, consumers have raised concerns about low water pressure, occasional supply disruptions, and water leakages. Social activist Raju Nalawade said, "Now that all the elections are over, it will have to be seen whether these MIDC water consumers will get justice, or else people will have to pay this oppressive deposit amount as per the Mahavitaran electricity bill by showing some rules."