South Africa what to do about leaking taps, municipal water leaks cost South Africa R10 billion annually. Water leaks account for nearly 37% of the nation’s unaccounted-for water.
Cities like Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality are battling lengthy droughts and critically low dam levels, urging residents to use no more than 50 liters per person per day. Yet leaks in informal settlements continue to create major problems. Despite facing a drought, the NMBM continues to lose about 29% of its water supply to leaks, as revealed in the municipality’s draft annual report for 2020/21.
When a Leak Occurs: Who’s Responsible?
The city owns the water meter and the supply from the street to the meter. A water leak could occur:
- Before the meter (usually won’t increase your bill)
- At the meter (may or may not increase your bill)
- Between the meter and the house (will most certainly increase your bill)
City responsibilities:
- The water pipe between the meter and the boundary wall of the consumer’s property
- The meter itself
Consumer responsibilities:
- Any water pipes located within the boundaries of their property
It is the City’s responsibility to investigate and stop a leak if it occurs at the meter, as the meter is City property and tampering with it is a criminal offense. The City is also responsible for any leak between the meter and the consumer’s property boundary (though this won’t normally increase your bill).
It is your responsibility to investigate and stop a leak if it occurs within your property boundary, including streets, public areas, and government property.
Advanced Leak Detection Solutions
MEB uses proven and award-winning leak detection and repair technology. We have supplied, trained, and supported many South African organizations. In alignment with the government’s national War on Leaks project, we supply the best systems for accurately detecting leaks in municipal water infrastructure.
Installing leak detection and repair solutions from MEB will transform the way your operations function and improve water accessibility and quality. MEB has specialized equipment to evaluate and report faults related to electricity, water, and wastewater. This shortens reaction time, increases efficiency, and reduces call-out costs and strain on manpower.
