Families will have to pay an average of €30 more in water taxes next year, while single people face an increase of €12, according to calculations by the Dutch waterboard association Unie van Waterschappen. This year, water taxes rose by an average of €9.

The water boards say the increase is due to the impact of dealing with climate change and higher energy prices.

‘Some water boards are having to pay twice or three times as much for energy,’ spokesman Vincent Lokin said.

‘Water boards’ work has also become increasingly complicated because of the extreme weather, as well as higher standards for drinking water and processing waste water.’