Free Water Policy – In a move that has stirred public concern, the South African government is reportedly considering ending its long-standing Free Basic Water (FBW) policy by September. This policy, which has provided low-income households with a minimum amount of free water every month, has been a critical lifeline for millions of financially vulnerable families across the country. With escalating budget constraints and rising demand for water infrastructure upgrades, the government argues that the system is no longer sustainable in its current form. But what does this mean for low-income communities who depend on this basic right for survival? The policy, originally introduced to ensure water as a constitutional right, has been pivotal for households that earn less than a certain threshold or are officially registered as indigent. It allowed for 6 kilolitres (6,000 litres) of water per month at no cost — enough to cover basic daily needs for a family of four. Now, however, municipalities have been told to prepare for budget reallocations and policy amendments, leading to widespread fear of unaffordable water bills. Municipalities like Johannesburg and eThekwini have already signaled that they may begin phasing out the policy, especially for non-indigent households. For residents, the impact could be drastic: more money diverted from food, education, and transport to pay for something as essential as water. As debate intensifies, critics warn that the move could deepen inequality and reverse progress made over the past two decades. Below, we break down what the potential end of the Free Basic Water policy could mean for South Africans — particularly those in informal settlements and townships.
What Is the Free Basic Water Policy?
The Free Basic Water policy was implemented in 2001 to provide a minimum level of free water to poor households, promoting equity and human dignity.
- Provides 6 kilolitres (6,000 litres) of free water per household per month
- Targeted mainly at indigent or low-income households
- Administered at municipal level, based on local registration systems
- Intended to meet basic hygiene and consumption needs
- Based on the constitutional right to access sufficient water
- Funded through the national government’s Equitable Share formula
- Covers over 11 million households nationwide
Eligibility Criteria for Free Water Policy
Not every household qualifies automatically. Municipalities use specific criteria to identify eligible families.
- Households with income below a certain threshold (varies per municipality)
- Households registered on indigent registers
- Pensioners and social grant recipients
- People living in informal settlements or RDP houses
- Unemployed individuals with no regular income
- Municipal discretion allows adjustments based on special needs
- Proof of income or residence often required for registration
Why the Free Water Policy Might Be Discontinued
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has indicated financial strain, aging infrastructure, and misuse of water resources as core reasons.
- Budgetary constraints at both national and local levels
- High levels of water losses due to leaks and theft
- Non-payment for municipal services by some communities
- Rising maintenance costs of water infrastructure
- Push for cost-reflective pricing models
- Transition towards more sustainable service delivery
- Reported inefficiencies in indigent household verification systems
Timeline and Possible Policy Changes
Here’s how the phasing out might take place, based on government communications and municipal responses.
| Timeline | Action by Government | Municipal Impact | Public Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | Proposal to end FBW tabled | Municipalities alerted | Civil society protests |
| August 2025 | Budget reallocations begin | Revenue models reviewed | Petition campaigns launched |
| September 2025 | Policy may be withdrawn | Indigent registers revised | High public anxiety |
| Oct–Dec 2025 | Possible tariff increases | Communication with residents | Legal challenges considered |
| Jan 2026 | New billing begins | Bills sent without FBW line | Service disruptions feared |
| 2026 Onward | Review of household impact | Monitoring by civil orgs | Community resistance grows |
How This Will Affect Low-Income Households
The implications for vulnerable households are serious — especially in informal settlements and rural areas.
- Monthly water bills may increase by R100–R250 for poor families
- Potential water shutoffs for unpaid bills
- More pressure on social grant income and pensions
- Rise in informal water access or unsafe sources
- Greater reliance on NGOs and charities for water delivery
- Risk of school absenteeism due to hygiene issues
- Long-term health and nutrition concerns
Provincial Breakdown: Where the Impact May Be Greatest
Some provinces will face greater disruption than others due to population density and service coverage gaps.
| Province | Households Dependent on FBW | Estimated Monthly Impact | Key Vulnerable Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 2.3 million | R180–R240 | Soweto, Alexandra, Ekurhuleni |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 1.8 million | R150–R200 | Umlazi, Inanda, Phoenix |
| Eastern Cape | 1.2 million | R120–R170 | Mthatha, Mdantsane, Gqeberha |
| Western Cape | 1.1 million | R170–R230 | Khayelitsha, Delft, Mitchells Plain |
| Limpopo | 950,000 | R90–R140 | Giyani, Polokwane |
| Free State | 670,000 | R80–R130 | Botshabelo, Mangaung |
| North West | 740,000 | R100–R160 | Mahikeng, Rustenburg |
Alternative Relief Measures Being Considered
In response to backlash, the government may implement alternatives or offer partial subsidies to cushion the blow.
- Expanding the indigent policy framework
- Introducing water vouchers for the most vulnerable
- Providing a minimum water block at discounted rates
- Community tanks and emergency water supply points
- Education campaigns on water saving
- Streamlining indigent registration processes
- Enhanced support via local councillors and ward committees
What Can Households Do to Prepare?
Residents are advised to prepare for possible changes by understanding their billing and water usage.
- Confirm if you are registered as an indigent household
- Reduce water consumption with low-flow fixtures
- Collect rainwater or reuse greywater where legal
- Monitor bills and engage with local ward councillors
- Follow municipal notices and public meetings
- Participate in community awareness campaigns
- Save for future bills if subsidy ends
Tips for Saving Water at Home
Every litre saved will count if the free allocation is removed. Here are some daily changes that can help:
- Use a bucket instead of a hose when washing cars
- Fix leaking taps and pipes promptly
- Take shorter showers (under 5 minutes)
- Reuse dishwater for plants
- Avoid flushing unnecessarily
- Only run washing machines with full loads
- Report community leaks to the municipality
Key Government Departments to Contact
If you need assistance or more information about your municipality’s water policy or indigent registration:
| Department/Office | Contact Number | Email Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Water and Sanitation | 0800 200 200 | info@dws.gov.za | National water policy and support |
| Municipal Services Hotline | Varies by city | Check local municipal site | Billing, indigent registration queries |
| SALGA (SA Local Gov. Association) | 012 369 8000 | info@salga.org.za | Support for municipal governance |
| Johannesburg Water | 011 688 1500 | customer@jwater.co.za | Queries for Joburg region |
| eThekwini Water & Sanitation | 080 13 13 013 | info@durban.gov.za | KZN support services |
| Western Cape Govt – Water Branch | 0860 142 142 | service@westerncape.gov.za | Cape Town & surrounding regions |
| Eastern Cape Water Services | 043 707 6500 | ecwater@ecprov.gov.za | Eastern Cape inquiries |
The possible discontinuation of the Free Basic Water policy is more than just a change in billing — it is a potential shift in how South Africa defines access to basic services for its most vulnerable populations. While the government argues that fiscal sustainability is essential, citizens and activists urge caution to avoid widening the inequality gap. As the debate continues, communities must stay informed, speak up, and prepare for the evolving policy landscape.
FAQs of Free Water Policy
1. Will the Free Basic Water policy definitely end in September?
Not confirmed yet. The policy is under review and decisions may vary by municipality.
2. How can I check if I’m registered as an indigent household?
Contact your local municipality or visit their website to check registration status.
3. What happens if I don’t qualify for free water anymore?
You may have to start paying full tariffs for monthly usage, depending on your household’s consumption.
4. Can I still apply for indigent status?
Yes, most municipalities allow new applications with required proof of income and residence.
5. Is the government offering any new subsidy instead of FBW?
Some alternatives like vouchers or partial discounts are being discussed but are not yet finalised.