The socio-economic, technical and institutional dimensions of non-payment for water: solutions and lessons for South Africa

Abstract

Non-revenue water is becoming a major challenge in South African municipalities, with almost half of the country’s water (47%) lost to the water system. This is higher than the global average of 30% and threatens the sustainability of water provision in the country. Non-revenue water has increased significantly since 2020 due to the impact of leaks, reduced payment levels, inaccurate billing, poor municipal governance, illegal connections, ageing infrastructure, with poor maintenance, and social, environmental and health disruptions (droughts, floods, COVID-19 pandemic).

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