All urban water users are metered and water prices are charged according to the volume consumed. Since the policy’s introduction, water prices have risen substantially, during the period 1993-2004, the real price of water (including environmental taxes) increased by 54% and prices are now among the highest in the OECD. The rise in prices has led to a substantial decrease in urban water demand from 155 to 125 litres per person per day, one of the lowest levels in the OECD. Since water pricing is purely volumetric, there are no social tariffs and the affordability of water services is ensured through separate social policy.