Joburg proposes 66% jump to household water levy as consumption charges rise

What the proposal means for households

Under the proposal, the fixed base charge that connects households with water infrastructure currently R65 for users with conventional or prepaid meters would be increased as part of the 66% levy rise. Both the higher levy and the increased consumption charges will attract additional VAT.

Background and recent increases

The Water Demand Management Levy was introduced in the 2018 financial year. The city says the levy has increased substantially: it has risen by nearly 200 percent in the last two years.

Civil society response

Ferial Adam of the civil society group Watercan said that all of the city’s charges should be justified, expressing concern about the increases.

Timing and context

The proposal was reported on 7 May 2026. It would see both the levy jump and the consumption charge increase take effect in July.

Next steps

The city has put forward the proposed tariff changes for the coming financial period; any final decision will follow the city’s own approval processes.