How to Pay Your Water Bill in Israel 2026 Guide
- All About Aliyah
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Navigating your first water bill in Israel can be confusing, especially with the 14-day rule for new tenants. Whether you are dealing with a local municipality or a large water corporation, staying on top of your registration is the only way to avoid inherited debt.
Understanding Your Water Bill in Israel: Who Do You Pay?
In 2026, most Israelis pay a Water Corporation, not the city.
Corporation Bill:
You receive a separate bill every two months from a company like Hagihon (Jerusalem), Mei Avivim (Tel Aviv), or Mei Netanya.
Municipality Bill:
In some smaller towns or Yishuvim, water is still a line item on your Arnona (property tax) bill.
Tip: A timestamped photo is your legal proof if a dispute arises with your landlord or the IEC.
Who is my Water Provider?
Moving to a new city?
Here is the specific company you need to contact to transfer the bill into your name:
Jerusalem
Company: Hagihon (הגיחון)
Website: hagihon.co.il
Tel Aviv
Company: Mei Avivim (מי אביבים)
Website: mei-avivim.co.il
Ashkelon
Company: Mei Ashkelon (מי אשקלון)
Website: mei-ashkelon.co.il
Zichron Yaakov
Company: Maayanot HaAmakim (מעיינות העמקים)
Website: mayanot-h.co.il
Netanya
Company: Mei Netanya (מי נתניה)
Website: mei-netanya.co.il
Haifa
Company: Mei Carmel (מי כרמל)
Website: mei-carmel.co.il
Beit Shemesh
Company: Mei Shemesh (מי שמש)
Website: meishemesh.co.il
Transferring the Bill to Your Name
You can do this entirely online via the provider’s website under "החלפת מחזיקים" (Hechlatat Machzikim - Transferring ownership).
You will need:
ID/Passport:
Scan of your Teudat Zehut or Passport.
Rental Contract:
The first page (address) and signature page.
Meter Reading:
A photo of the water meter (מד מים - Mad Mayim) showing the numbers on the day you moved in.
Outgoing Tenant Info:
Name and ID of the previous person on the bill.
Why Your Bill is Higher Than It Should Be?
This is where most Olim lose money. In Israel, water is charged in two tiers. If you don't take action, you will likely be overcharged every month.
The Two-Tier System (2026 Rates)
Rate 1 (The "Cheap" Rate): Approximately 8.5 NIS per cubic meter.
Rate 2 (The "Expensive" Rate): Approximately 15.6 NIS per cubic meter—nearly double the price!
The Rule: Your "Recognized Quantity"
By law, every person living in an apartment is entitled to 3.5 cubic meters of water per month (or 7 cubic meters per 2-month billing cycle) at the cheap Rate 1.
The "2-Person Default"
If you move into a new place and do nothing, the water company automatically assumes only 2 people live there.
An Example: If you are a family of 5 but haven't registered, you only get the discount for 2 people. You are paying the "Expensive Rate" for the other 3 people's showers and laundry!
Update Your Amount of Residents ("Nefashot" נפשות)
To get your full discount, you must submit a "Declaration of Residents" (עדכון נפשות - Idchun Nefashot).
What to send:
The Form:
Download the Idchun Nefashot form from your provider’s website.
The Proof:
A photo of your Teudat Zehut & Sefach (the blue/paper addendum).
For Adults (18+):
Every adult living in the house must provide their Sefach (ספח).
For Children:
The parents' Sefach (which lists the children) is enough.
For Non-Citizens:
A copy of your passport and a valid visa.
Payment Methods
1. Bank Transfer (הוראת קבע - Hora’at Keva): Set this up to avoid late interest
2. Online Portal: Every major corporation has a "Quick Pay" button where you enter your Contract Number (מספר חוזה - Mispar Chozeh) and pay via credit card.
3. Israel Post: You can pay in person at any post office branch with cash or card.
Final Tip
On the very first day you get your keys, take a clear photo of the water meter. This is your only legal proof of where your usage began.
When you register the account in your name, you’ll need to upload this reading to ensure you aren't stuck paying for the previous tenant’s final showers or an old leak!
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