Official source
Source domain: pmg.org.za
Collected on 17 June 2026
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Criminal prosecution for persistent non-compliance with the National Water Act
Municipalities that persistently do not comply with the National Water Act (for example, sewage spills) can face criminal charges laid by DWS.
The document's recorded date is 11 March 2026. Confirm on the official source.
The DWS has intensified its use of the National Water Act to lay criminal charges against municipalities for persistent non-compliance with the National Water Act, such as sewage spills. This is implemented through the Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement Chief Directorate of DWS.
Reference
https://pmg.org.za/committee-question/36098/
Opening Date
11 March 2026
Closing Date
11 March 2026
Conditional grants for bulk and reticulation infrastructure (Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant and Water Services Infrastructure Grant)
Municipalities can benefit from conditional grants used by the Department of Water and Sanitation to invest in bulk and reticulation infrastructure to address backlogs and improve reliability, including for critical facilities.
The document's recorded date is 11 March 2026. Confirm on the official source.
Through conditional grants such as the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant and Water Services Infrastructure Grant, the Department invests in bulk and reticulation infrastructure to address backlogs and improve reliability, including for critical facilities.
Incentive-Based Regulation certification (Blue Drop, Green Drop, No Drop)
Municipalities are audited through Blue Drop, Green Drop, and No Drop certification programs covering water quality, wastewater management, and water loss.
The document's recorded date is 11 March 2026. Confirm on the official source.
Incentive-Based Regulation: The Blue Drop, Green Drop, and No Drop certification programs serve as primary mechanisms to audit water quality, wastewater management, and water loss.
Debt relief tied to payment performance (equitable share withholding and debt relief)
Municipalities that improve their payment records may receive debt relief, while municipalities defaulting on paying outstanding debt to water boards have their equitable share withheld.
The document's recorded date is 11 March 2026. Confirm on the official source.
In consultation with DWS, National Treasury is withholding the equitable share of municipalities that are defaulting from paying outstanding debt to water boards and implementing debt relief programs where municipalities payment records show improvements.
Corrective Action Plans for critical or poor performing municipalities
Municipalities identified as critical or poor performers must submit and implement corrective action plans to address audit findings.
The document's recorded date is 11 March 2026. Confirm on the official source.
Municipalities identified as critical or poor performers are required to submit and implement corrective action plans to address audit findings.
Technical and institutional support to municipalities (turnaround strategies, water demand planning, deployment of expertise)
Municipalities are prioritised for support from the Department of Water and Sanitation to help them fulfil their mandate before penalties for non-compliance are instituted.
The document's recorded date is 11 March 2026. Confirm on the official source.
This includes technical and institutional support such as turnaround strategies, water demand planning, and deployment of expertise.
