Beijing will raise non-residential water rates starting Friday to encourage water saving in the thirsty Chinese capital, local government said Wednesday.

The water resource fee for non-residential use climbs by 0.22 yuan per cubic meter and wastewater treatment fee rises by 0.18 yuan, said the municipal development and reform commission.

The price hikes were aimed at encouraging water saving and recycling in a bid to ease water shortages in Beijing, the commission said.

The water rates for industry and commerce, and hotels, restaurants and the catering industry rise to 6.21 yuan (91 US cents) per cubic meter from 5.6 yuan and 6.1 yuan, respectively.

The rate for government and public agencies is increased from 5.4 yuan to 5.8 yuan per cubic meter.

The planning agency also raised water prices for the car-washing and purified water sectors to 61.68 yuan from 41.50 yuan per cubic meter.

The water price for the bath industry is raised to 81.68 yuan from 61.50 yuan per cubic meter.

A public hearing on water rate hikes for residential use will be held in the "short-term", the agency added.

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2009)