Mains water in France is typically supplied by one of three different companies, depending on your location:
In most towns and villages throughout France, the local mairie oversees the commune’s water supply and you can not choose your provider. You may be billed directly from one of the above-listed private companies or from your commune’s Syndicat d’eau (water syndicate).
Opening an Account With a French Water Provider
Before moving into your new property, you can either contact the provider directly or visit the mairie to ask for that property’s account to be transferred to your name.
You will need to show/send proof of address – anattestation de domicilefrom the mairie,compromis de venteor rental agreement. You may be asked for a deposit which will be refunded against your first bill. Check that the meter is read before you move in.
Paying Your Water Bills in France
Water is relatively expensive in France and is charged by the cubic metre at prices set by the commune. Costs vary from region to region, but average bills tend to be around €500 annually for the average household.
The most significant difference depends on whether you have mains drainage or a septic tank, the latter being much cheaper. Larger properties, properties with swimming pools, or smallholdings may naturally incur higher charges, while a small apartment may be much cheaper.
You can typically opt to pay your water bills annually, quarterly, or monthly. Some companies allow for cheque or card payments, but most homeowners and renters opt to pay by direct debit (prélèvement automatique). You can set this up when you open your account, by providing your French bank RIB and signing a mandat de prélèvement(direct debit mandate).
Water Meter
The water meter at your French property should be located near your mains valve. You should ask your provider or the mairie for the meter to be read when you take over your property (you could also ask the property agent to check it or take a note/time-dated photo).
Meters are typically read once or twice a year, so your monthly or quarterly payments will likely be based upon estimated usage.
