Water bill estimator
Enter your monthly kilolitres (or estimate them from your household) and the step tariff on your municipal bill.
Your details
Estimated monthly water bill
R847.50
500 litres a day for the household
- Water
- R585.00
- Sanitation
- R262.50
How we worked it out
- Water used15
kilolitres (1 kl = 1 000 litres)
- Block 1: 6 kl at R30.00R180.00
- Block 2: 9 kl at R45.00R405.00
- Sanitation on 10.5 klR262.50
- Estimated monthly water billR847.50
- Example rates are for illustration. Use the rates on your own municipal bill.
How the bill is worked out
- Each step of usage is charged at its own price per kilolitre.
- Sanitation (sewerage) is often charged on a share of the water you use, at its own rate.
- Some municipalities add a fixed monthly charge.
Ways to use less water
- Fix dripping taps and leaking toilets: a running toilet can waste thousands of litres a month.
- Shower instead of bath, and keep showers short.
- Water the garden early or late in the day.
Frequently asked questions
How much water does a South African household use?
It varies widely with household size, gardens and pools. Your municipal bill shows your monthly kilolitres; that is the best figure to use.
What is a kilolitre?
1 kilolitre (kl) is 1 000 litres, about six or seven full baths. Water meters measure in kilolitres (cubic metres).
Why does the price go up the more I use?
Most municipalities use a step (block) tariff: each step of usage costs more per kilolitre to encourage saving water.
Why are the rates already filled in?
They are example rates so you can see how the calculation works. Tariffs differ between municipalities and change every July, so replace them with the rates on your own bill.