City expands indigent leak repair initiative to protect vulnerable households and save water

13 August 2026

The City's Water and Sanitation Directorate has allocated more than R3,8 million in the 2026/27 financial year to repair private water leaks at qualifying registered indigent households. The programme helps residents who cannot afford repairs to reduce unnecessary water losses, manage their consumption and avoid water supply restrictions that may result from excessive use.

Since 2021, the initiative has repaired private water leaks at 3 329 registered indigent households. During the 2025/26 financial year, R448 000 was spent to complete repairs at 259 properties identified through high consumption tracking.

While property owners are generally responsible for maintaining plumbing on private land, the City steps in for qualifying indigent households using more than 50 000 litres (50kl) per month to eliminate severe wastage and protect residents from falling into tariff debt or supply restrictions.

'Every drop of water saved brings us closer to our goal of becoming a truly Water Sensitive City by 2040, but at its heart, this programme is about dignity, care, and peace of mind for our families as we build a City of Hope. Cape Town does more than any other metro in South Africa to cushion residents facing financial hardship, providing registered indigent households with 15 000 litres of free water every single month.

‘However, an undetected pipe leak or dripping fixture on a private property can quietly push a household beyond its monthly allocation for extended periods without residents realising it. Registered indigent households receive up to 15 000 litres of water free of charge per month, and households that repeatedly exceed this allocation may be subject to water demand management measures, including flow restriction, in accordance with the City's approved policies and procedures.

‘By helping qualifying residents repair these leaks at no cost, we are reducing unnecessary water losses, supporting vulnerable households to manage their consumption, and helping them avoid the consequences of sustained excessive use. At the same time, we are protecting a precious drinking water resource for the benefit of all Cape Town residents,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.

Qualifying households are identified through unusually high water consumption. Once City officials engage with the resident and inspect the property to confirm the source of the leak, repairs are carried out at no cost to the homeowner.

Under the expanded programme for the 2026/27 financial year, City-appointed contractors inspect qualifying properties and conduct necessary repairs — including fixing leaking internal pipes, taps, toilet cisterns, and fittings, as well as replacing damaged water meters where required.

Households are identified through automated consumption trend analysis on the municipal billing system. Once official inspections confirm the source of internal leakage, repairs are carried out following consultation with the homeowner.

Helpful guides on finding and fixing leaks are available on the City's website.