Water, published
Water lost before it is sold
6 of the 7 metros with figures lost more than 30% of their water in their latest audited year, above Treasury’s norm of 15% to 30%. In 6 of the 7, the share lost was higher in the latest year than in the first year on record.
Share of water lost, latest year
Official: each metro’s audited annual financial statements.
What this measures
Water a metro buys from a water board or treats itself, but never bills: leaks and burst pipes, illegal connections, and meters that are faulty or not read. Treasury’s norm is 15% to 30%; a lower figure is better.
Cape Town: not shown separately in the audited statements.
The numbers
| Metro | First year | Latest year |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg includes the metro’s utility company | 25.0% 2020-21 | 33.0% 2024-25 |
| Tshwane | 34.6% 2020-21 | 39.1% 2024-25 |
| Ekurhuleni | 32.7% 2020-21 | 25.4% 2024-25 |
| eThekwini non-revenue water, as the statements report it | 48.9% 2020-21 | 58.7% 2024-25 |
| Nelson Mandela Bay | 40.0% 2020-21 | 52.7% 2024-25 |
| Buffalo City | 36.3% 2020-21 | 41.4% 2024-25 |
| Mangaung | 45.0% 2021-22 | 48.0% 2024-25 |
Each figure links to the page of the audited statements it comes from. Last updated .
Corrections
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