DWS Begins Consultations on 2027/28 Raw Water Tariffs

Posted 31 July 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Environmental & Water Law

Brought to you by SAnews: The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), in partnership with the Vaal-Orange Catchment Management Agency (VOCMA), has commenced public consultations regarding proposed raw water tariff adjustments for the 2027/28 financial year under the National Water Act, No. 36 of 1998.

In terms of section 56 of the National Water Act, No. 36 of 1998, raw water tariffs are reviewed annually to establish pricing strategies for raw water abstraction and use. Revenue generated from these tariffs funds water resource management, including water quality and quantity monitoring, catchment area protection, bulk infrastructure operations and maintenance, and long-term security of supply for domestic, agricultural, and industrial sectors.

The public consultation session held in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, forms part of a nationwide process engaging water users across VOCMA’s jurisdiction, which covers five provinces: the Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape, North West, and Gauteng. Key stakeholders participating in the pricing process include:

  • The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA);
  • The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP);
  • The South African Local Government Association (SALGA);
  • Local municipalities, including Merafong City Local Municipality; and
  • Industrial and commercial water users, including Harmony Gold Mine.

The DWS and regional catchment management agencies are providing water users with the opportunity to review the tariff methodology, raise technical queries, and submit written comments prior to finalising and approving the 2027/28 raw water tariff schedule.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual obligations; impact is channelled through bulk municipal water tariffs and local utility rates.
  • For your business: Commercial, mining, and industrial water use licence holders within the VOCMA catchment area must assess proposed 2027/28 tariff adjustments to accurately budget for raw water abstraction input costs and submit formal commentary before tariffs are finalised.
  • For your clients: Agricultural, municipal, and industrial clients relying on raw water allocations must incorporate projected tariff changes into medium-term financial planning, supply chain costing, and municipal tariff modeling.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/dws-engages-water-users-proposed-raw-water-tariffs

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