Goa will become the first state in the country to supply freewaterto 60% of its citizens from Wednesday onwards, chief minister PramodSawantsaid. He launched the Save Water to GetFreeWater scheme on Tuesday under which households will not be charged for consumption of up to 16,000 litres.

From September 1, 60% of the people of the state will not get water bills. Free water means zero water charges, zero meter rent and zero bills. Those covered under this will also not get sewerage bills.

Those living in housing societies would also be benefited as the water consumption of one meter would be divided among the total number of flats in the complex.