The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), in partnership with the Vaal-Orange Catchment Management Agency (VOCMA), has undertaken a public consultation on the proposed raw water tariffs for the 2027/28 financial year.

The consultation formed part of a nationwide public participation process aimed at engaging water users and key stakeholders on the proposed tariff adjustments before they are finalised.

Raw water tariffs are reviewed every year to ensure that sufficient funding is available for the protection, management and sustainable development of the country’s water resources.

The consultations provide a platform for stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the raw water pricing process, the factors influencing tariff adjustments and the role that tariffs play in ensuring the sustainable management and protection of South Africa’s water resources.

Revenue generated through these tariffs contributes to water resource management activities such as monitoring water quality and quantity, protecting catchments, operating and maintaining water infrastructure, and ensuring the long-term availability of water for domestic, agricultural, industrial and economic development.

The consultation also forms part of DWS’s ongoing commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and meaningful stakeholder participation in the annual raw water tariff-setting process.

“By engaging directly with water users, the department seeks to ensure that stakeholders understand the methodology used to determine tariffs and have an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and make informed submissions before the tariffs are approved.”

Protecting South Africa’s water resources requires a strong partnership between government, communities and water users, says VOCMA CEO Lerato Morake, noting that every contribution made through raw water tariffs helps to safeguard the country’s rivers, dams and catchments and enables the agency to fulfil its mandate of managing and protecting water resources for current and future generations.

“We appreciate the water users who continue to pay for the use of our water resources. Your contribution enables us to carry out our responsibility of protecting, managing and sustaining these vital resources, which are the foundation of our country’s social and economic development.”

The session was attended by representatives from DWS, VOCMA, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the South African Local Government Association, Merafong City local municipality, Harmony Gold Mine and other stakeholders representing various water use sectors.