eThekwini municipality in Durban and Mangaung in Bloemfontein have the highest rates of water loss in South Africa, with over 40% of purified tap water going to waste annually. Data from the Department of Water and Sanitation shows eThekwini loses 40.4% to physical leaks, the largest volume nationwide. Mangaung's rate stands at 41.2%.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has released figures highlighting severe water losses in South Africa's major metros. eThekwini tops the list with 54% non-revenue water, including 40.4% from physical losses like pipe bursts and leaks, equating to more than 423 million cubic metres per year. This volume exceeds the total supply to the Northern Cape and nearly matches that of Gqeberha and KuGompo combined.
Mangaung follows closely with a 41.2% physical loss rate, though its total volume is smaller due to lower supply levels. Nelson Mandela Bay records 53% non-revenue water, with 35% physical losses, while Johannesburg sees nearly 50% non-revenue water and Cape Town the lowest at 24%, with 20.4% leaks.
Daily Maverick obtained the data after eThekwini municipality initially hesitated to release its water balance sheet. Spokesperson Gugu Sisilana cited concerns over the technical nature of the information and potential misinterpretation, suggesting queries go to the national department instead.
Nationally, non-revenue water has risen above 47%, with leaks at 32%, per the latest No Drop report. The department anticipates publishing detailed breakdowns for all municipalities next month.