Nelson Mandela Bay Water Quality

Nelson Mandela Bay in Eastern Cape sits mid-range on drinking-water quality, with a Blue Drop drinking-water score of 85.03/100, rated Adequate. According to the official DWS Blue Drop assessment, the drinking water in this system is flagged as NOT safe to drink — residents should not assume tap water here is safe, and should confirm current status with the municipality. Its Green Drop wastewater/sewage score is 66/100 (Poor). An estimated 55% of treated water is lost to leaks and non-revenue water before it reaches consumers, above the national average of 47.4%.

Blue Drop score of 85 looks decent but the metro has been in a prolonged water crisis with severe leakage and drought stress. Water consumption at 298 litres per person per day — well above international benchmarks. Green Drop score only 66 with raw sewage issues. Eastern Cape had zero Blue Drop certified municipalities in 2023.

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.