What Is Non-Revenue Water?
Non-revenue water (NRW) is the treated water that a municipality puts into the pipes but never gets paid for. It includes water that leaks out, water used without being billed, and losses caused by illegal connections or faulty billing systems.
How Much Water Is Lost?
In June 2024, South Africa’s average NRW was 47.3 % of all municipal water. That means almost half of the water that is cleaned and pumped never generates income for the local authorities. In volume terms, the loss equals 2.1 billion kilolitres per year.
Why Does This Happen?
NRW is made up of several parts:
- Physical losses – water that escapes through leaks in old or damaged pipes.
- Authorized but unbilled use – water taken by consumers (like firefighting or municipal cleaning) that isn’t metered or charged.
- Illegal connections – taps or pipes hooked up without permission.
- Commercial losses – mistakes in billing, meter reading, or revenue collection that prevent the municipality from getting paid for water that was actually used.
The Cost in Rand
If we multiply the yearly loss (2.1 billion kl) by the average cost of supplying one kilolitre of water (R12.41), the financial hit is about R26 billion each year. That’s money that could be used for schools, clinics, or road repairs, but instead disappears because of water loss.
Government Actions to Fix It
The Department of Water and Sanitation is rolling out several programmes:
- Training for local water officials – teaching technicians how to find leaks, read meters correctly, and manage billing systems.
- National monitoring (No Drop program) – a country‑wide system that tracks water use and highlights where losses are biggest.
- Infrastructure upgrades – fixing broken pipes, installing better valves, and replacing old sections of the network.
- Water Secure Gauteng (PWSG) – a platform that brings together government, water utilities, businesses, and community groups to share data, publish a Gauteng Water Dashboard, and coordinate improvements.
Progress varies from town to town; some areas have cut losses dramatically, while others still struggle with aging pipes and limited resources.
What Can You Do?
Even as a teenager you can help reduce water waste:
- Report any visible leaks or broken taps to your local municipality.
- Use water wisely at home—turn off the tap while brushing teeth, take shorter showers, and run full loads in the washing machine.
- Encourage your school or community group to join water‑saving campaigns and spread the word about fixing leaks.
- Stay informed by checking your municipality’s water dashboard or social media pages for updates on NRW projects.
Conclusion
South Africa loses a staggering R26 billion each year because almost half of its treated water never brings in revenue. The losses come from leaks, illegal use, and billing problems. While the government is investing in training, monitoring, and infrastructure, the challenge is uneven across the country. By staying alert, using water responsibly, and supporting local efforts, everyone—including teens—can play a part in cutting down waste and keeping more water (and money) in the system.
