Utility Services

Protect Your Water Meter, You Will Pay for Negligent Damage or Tampering

By Super User 2420

There is often misunderstanding concerning responsibilities around water meters. Here we answer some of those questions.

Who is responsible to safeguard water meters?

Every consumer or property owner must take reasonable measures to prevent any damage to the water meter installed by the municipality on their property.

Where, by reason of any failure on the part of a consumer or property owner, the water meter is damaged or destroyed, the consumer or property owner is liable to pay for the damages as per the City’s prescribed water tariff.

It is the responsibility of the consumer to make sure that the meter is easily accessible.  

Tampering/damaging a water meter

Only a municipal employee, or a person authorised by the municipality, can:

  • Disconnect or attempt to disconnect the meter from the water connection pipe;
  • Reconnect or attempt to do so in a case where the water supply has been disconnected or suspended by the municipality; or
  • In any way tamper or interfere with the water meter installed by the Council. No owner or occupier of a premises may allow or cause any other unauthorised person to disconnect, reconnect, tamper or interfere with a water meter.

Anyone found to be in contravention of any of the above will be liable for cost of repairs and associated costs, as well as the penalties for illegal water usage and inspection fees, as per the water tariffs.

How can I have my water meter tested?

  • Contact your nearest Customer Care Centre to arrange for the testing.
  • A standard fee applies and the Department of Water and Sanitation undertakes testing of water meters as part of its quality control measures.
  • If the water meter is faulty and the reading inaccurate to within ± 5% of actual consumption, the Department of Water and Sanitation will replace the meter and reimburse the standard fee and any additional water usage charges associated with the faulty meter.

How do I read my water meter?

  • There are several different types of water meters installed in the City.
  • You may have difficulty accessing the meter as most are fitted with a lockable cover.
  • With all types of meters, the black numbers represent kilolitres while the red numbers represent litres.
  • By keeping a check on the black numbers, you can monitor how many kilolitres you have used in any given period.
  • To check the weekly consumption, note the black numbers at the beginning of the week and then a week later. The difference will be the number of kilolitres used in a week. Multiply this by 52 and you will get a rough guide to your annual usage rate.
  • You are charged for every kilolitre used on an increasing sliding tariff.