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Farmers stealing South Africa's water

20 Sep 2011

South African farmers have been accused of stealing and illegally using at least 244-million cubic metres of water a year from the Vaal River and the Department of Water Affairs says it will now clamp down on these thefts.

The water is used to irrigate farms predominantly in the Free State. The department says it will stamp out at least 90% of the illegal use of water as it is putting the entire Vaal River system's water supply balance at risk.

The Vaal River is the main source of water for residents of Gauteng.

The 2011 Local Government Budgets and Expenditure Review published last week estimates that about 35% of all water is stolen or 'lost' each year. While the report doesn't specifically mention theft it refers to 'non-revenue water' that represents the loss or unauthorised use of water resulting in no revenue being received for it.

It says that non-revenue water losses may be even higher than that in rural areas because of the huge maintenance backlogs that exist in so many rural municipalities. It says that poor maintenance, inaccurate or incomplete billing and water theft contribute to water losses.