The government will consider repealing or seriously reducing the drought levy, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz (Likud) told Israel Radio Sunday morning.

However, the government will only reconsider the tax at the end of the current rain season, he said.

The tax has resulted in a 20-percent saving in water consumption, said Steinitz, adding that the tax is vital for the next three years, until all the current desalination plants become operational.