City of Johannesburg Water Quality

City of Johannesburg in Gauteng is one of the stronger-performing water systems in South Africa, with a Blue Drop drinking-water score of 98.1/100, rated Excellent. According to the official DWS Blue Drop assessment, the drinking water supplied here meets safe-to-drink standards. Its Green Drop wastewater/sewage score is 73/100 (Adequate). An estimated 48.2% of treated water is lost to leaks and non-revenue water before it reaches consumers, above the national average of 47.4%.

Drinking water excellent due to Rand Water support. However Green Drop score has dropped from 86 to 73 since 2013/14 — wastewater treatment is deteriorating. Criminal cases opened by DWS against Johannesburg for Water Act breaches in December 2023. Nearly half of all water is lost before reaching taps.

Data aggregated from the Department of Water and Sanitation Blue Drop, Green Drop and No Drop reports (2023) and AfriForum. Scores reflect the most recent published DWS assessment and may not capture day-to-day changes. For current advisories, contact your municipality or DWS on 0800 200 200.