Free Basic Water in South Africa
South Africa's Free Basic Water (FBW) programme provides every household with a minimum of 6 kilolitres (6,000 litres) of water per month free of charge. This is a constitutional right and is implemented by municipalities through the national Free Basic Services policy.
6 kilolitres = 6,000 litres per month. This is the nationally mandated free basic water allocation for all households in South Africa.
What Is Free Basic Water?
Free Basic Water is a South African government policy that ensures every household receives a minimum of 6 kilolitres per month at no cost. This is approximately 25 litres per person per day for a household of eight people, which meets the World Health Organisation's minimum threshold for basic water access.
The programme was introduced in 2001 as part of the post-apartheid government's commitment to extending access to basic services to all South Africans, particularly those who were previously excluded.
Who Is Entitled to Free Basic Water?
All households connected to the municipal water supply are entitled to the 6 kl per month free basic water allocation, regardless of income. This is a universal entitlement, not means-tested.
However, the way FBW is implemented varies by municipality. Most municipalities apply the free 6 kl as a zero-charge first block in their tariff structure. Indigent households may also benefit from additional subsidies on consumption above the 6 kl free block.
How Free Basic Water Appears on Your Account
On your monthly municipal water account, the first 6 kilolitres of consumption should appear at a zero rand charge. Consumption above 6 kl is charged at a rising block tariff — meaning the more you use, the higher the rate per kilolitre.
If you believe that the free 6 kl is not being applied to your account, contact your municipality's customer services department and request a billing correction.
| Consumption Block | Rate per Kilolitre |
|---|---|
| 0 - 6 kl per month | Free (R0.00) |
| 6 - 10 kl per month | Standard residential rate |
| 10 - 20 kl per month | Higher rate |
| Above 20 kl per month | Highest rate (conservation tariff) |
Free Basic Water for Indigent Households
Indigent households that are registered on the municipal indigent register may qualify for additional benefits beyond the standard 6 kl free allocation. These can include waiver of fixed meter charges, additional free kilolitres, and subsidised tariff rates for consumption above the free block.
To register as indigent, households must earn less than R3,500 per month (combined household income). Contact your municipality to apply for indigent status and access the full range of free basic services available.
What If You Do Not Have a Formal Water Connection?
Households without a formal in-house water connection (for example, those served by communal standpipes or water tankers) are still entitled to the minimum water supply standard. Municipalities must ensure that all residents have access to at least 25 litres per person per day within 200 metres of their dwelling.
If you do not have access to a communal water point within this distance, contact your municipality's water services department to request a service.
Conserving Your Free Basic Water Allocation
- Fix leaking taps and toilets immediately — a dripping tap can waste up to 30 litres per day
- Take short showers instead of baths (a shower uses about 60-80 litres, a bath about 150 litres)
- Turn off the tap while brushing teeth
- Use a bucket to water the garden rather than a hosepipe
- Report any leaks on the municipal supply network to the municipality promptly
- Install a low-flush or dual-flush toilet cistern if possible