Water rates in Algarrobo are to go up by 18 per cent in 2009. Rafael Segovia, the councillor in charge of local tax collection, explained that the rate is going up as Axaragua, the Mancomunidad's water company, has put up the price of water from La Viñuela reservoir.

"Axaragua has demanded a 52 per cent increase in the rate, but we have decided to split this cost over three years so that residents aren't faced with huge bills," said Segovia. This means that next year there will be a 13 per cent increase in the water rate plus a 4.5 per cent CPI charge. "It may appear excessive, but as it is charged every three months, it means that residents will only be paying around ten euros more," states Segovia.

The most vulnerable sectors of society such as pensioners, retired residents and large families, will be eligible for a 30 per cent discount, however anyone who wants to apply for this must prove that they have been living in the area for at least two years.