NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY TAKES A FIRM STANCE AGAINST ILLEGAL WATER SALES AND UNLICENSED BOREHOLE USE
Published: March 25, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is taking a firm and proactive stance against
the unlawful extraction and sale of water. Municipal authorities have observed a
concerning increase in unauthorised water distribution from boreholes and open
water systems, a practice that endangers public health, undermines equitable
access, and compromises the Municipality’s efforts to manage this vital resource
responsibly.
Water is a nationally protected resource, legally recognised as a public asset, with
the National Department of Water and Sanitation serving as the custodian of all
water resources. While property owners may extract and use borehole water for
personal, household, or on-site purposes without a licence, any activity involving the
transportation, distribution, or sale of water to other properties or individuals
constitutes commercial use. Such commercialisation is strictly regulated under the
National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) and requires a valid water use licence issued by
the Department of Water and Sanitation. This legislation ensures that all water use
beyond personal consumption adheres to environmental standards, sustainable
resource management practices, and public safety requirements.
"Residents purchasing water from unlicensed sources are placing themselves and
their families at serious risk. At the same time, individuals illegally extracting water
from municipal or private boreholes are contravening the law and undermining efforts
to provide safe and reliable water services to our communities. The Municipality is
committed to taking decisive action against all illegal water sales,” said Acting
Executive Director for Infrastructure and Engineering, Joseph Tsatsire.
Currently, fewer than six operators within Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality are
formally authorised to sell water. These licensed vendors have undergone
comprehensive assessment processes to ensure full compliance with all statutory
obligations, including water quality and safety standards. The Municipality
emphasises that any other individuals or entities engaging in the sale of water
without valid authorisation are operating unlawfully.
Residents are urged to exercise caution and only source water from authorised
providers. Procuring water from unverified or illegal sources not only supports
unlawful activity but also exposes households to unsafe water, with potential health
risks.
To support lawful water management, residents are encouraged to:
• Purchase water exclusively from licensed vendors.
• Report any suspected illegal water extraction or sales to the Municipality or
local law enforcement.
• Ensure compliance with water use licences when legally selling water.
The Municipality calls on all residents to collaborate in protecting this essential
resource. Individuals or businesses wishing to sell water legally must apply for a
water use licence through the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Water and
Sanitation Directorate and comply with all regulatory and quality assurance
requirements.
The Municipality remains committed to safeguarding water resources, ensuring
equitable access, and enforcing compliance to protect the health, safety, and
wellbeing of all communities across Nelson Mandela Bay.
Residents are urged to report any businesses or individuals selling water without a
valid water use licence by contacting:
• Customer Service: 0800 205 050
• Metro Police Control Room: 041 508 5501 or 041 585 1555
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