Joburg urges residents to check water use as unexplained water bills raise concern

The City of Johannesburg has urged residents to keep an eye on their water usage following reports of unusually high or unexplained water bills. The municipality has noted concerns from customers about unexpected increases in consumption, which could be a sign of a leak, increased usage, or another issue needing investigation.

Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, Kgamanyane Maphologela, advised residents to turn off all taps and appliances, then monitor if the meter continues to run. This could help identify internal leaks. Any issues with municipal infrastructure outside the property's boundary should be reported to the city immediately, while internal leaks are the homeowner's responsibility to repair through a qualified plumber.

Detecting leaks early is crucial, as prompt action can significantly reduce unnecessary water losses and help prevent escalating municipal accounts. Maphologela suggested that residents compare their meter readings month to month and photograph the meter regularly to build evidence for any billing disputes.

Regarding responsibility for leaks, Maphologela clarified that leaks within the property boundary are typically the homeowner's responsibility, while faults on municipal-side infrastructure are the city's responsibility once reported. For customers facing significant bills after an internal leak, the city encourages them to seek help at their nearest Customer Service Centre as soon as possible.

Eligible customers may be directed towards an Acknowledgement of Debt arrangement or the City's Debt Relief Programme. The aim is to balance water conservation with affordability, emphasizing that early action can protect both Johannesburg's water resources and customers from avoidable increases in their municipal accounts.