eThekwini municipal bills and tariffs: 2026/27 guide to charges and queries

eThekwini tariff increases for 2026/27

These increases apply from 1 July 2026 for the 2026/27 financial year. They are changes to tariffs, not a promise that every customer’s total account will rise by the same percentage. A household’s water charge depends on metered consumption and applicable tariff bands; rates depend on the property’s municipal valuation, category, rate and any approved rebate or exemption.

For the precise charge applicable to an account, use the Municipality’s final 2026/27 tariff tables. The full schedule contains separate tables for services, customer types and charges. Check the service and category rather than relying on a headline percentage.

What appears on an eThekwini municipal bill?

Depending on the property and its services, an account may include:

Other account items can include arrears, interest, adjustments, deposits or credits. Check the description and period before assuming a changed total is caused only by a tariff increase.

• Property rates: based on municipal valuation and the applicable property category, subject to approved relief.
• Water: generally linked to metered consumption and the applicable customer tariff.
• Electricity: linked to the electricity tariff and the account or meter category.
• Sanitation or sewerage: charged under the applicable municipal schedule.
• Refuse removal: based on the service and property category shown on the account.

Why might an eThekwini bill be unusually high?

Compare the account with the previous bill and check these details before lodging a query:

• Billing period: check the start and end dates. A longer period can produce a larger consumption charge.
• Meter and readings: confirm the account refers to the correct meter and compare readings with the meter where accessible.
• Recorded consumption: look for a sudden change. For water, check for running toilets, leaks, irrigation or other continuous use.
• Tariff category: check whether the account is residential or business and whether the service or property category matches.
• Adjustments and balances: separate the current service charge from arrears, credits, estimated or corrected readings, interest and other adjustments.

How to query or dispute an eThekwini municipal bill

Use the official eServices portal or the current instructions on the accounts and payments page. The Municipality also publishes a Revenue Unit dispute-initiation form. The form says a dispute must be submitted within 30 days of the account; because procedures and forms can change, check the latest form and account due date and lodge the dispute promptly.

Ask the Municipality in writing how to handle the disputed amount and the payment due date while it is being reviewed. Submitting a query alone does not tell you what payment arrangement applies.

• Municipal account number and property address.
• Billing period and service being queried.
• The reading or charge you believe is incorrect, and why.
• A clear meter photograph, including the meter number, if relevant.
• Copies of supporting documents and any earlier query reference.
• Keep a copy of the submission and its reference number. Do not post account or meter details publicly.

Is help available if you cannot afford your municipal account?

The Municipality operates an Indigent Support Programme for qualifying households. Eligibility, relief and application requirements are set by current policy and may change. Check the latest municipal policy and application instructions rather than relying on old announcements or assuming that a temporary debt-relief campaign is still open.

Frequently asked questions

When did eThekwini’s 2026/27 tariffs take effect?

The 2026/27 financial year began on 1 July 2026. Check the relevant official tariff table for the service and account category.

Did every eThekwini bill increase by the same percentage?

No. The announced percentages describe tariff changes. A customer’s total account also depends on consumption, tariff category, property valuation, rebates, fixed charges and account adjustments.

Where can I find the official eThekwini tariff tables?

Use the Municipality’s final 2026/27 tariff tables or its tariffs document page. Check the current schedule for the service and category on your account.

How do I check eThekwini water consumption?

Log in to the official eServices portal and use its consumption or meter-reading services. Follow the portal’s instructions.

How do I dispute an eThekwini municipal bill?

Use the eServices portal, the current accounts and payments instructions, or the latest Revenue Unit dispute form. Keep the submission and reference number, and check the deadline on the current form and account.

What should I do about a very high water bill?

Compare the billing period and meter readings, check for a leak or continuous water use, and review consumption history in eServices. If the reading or charge still appears wrong, submit a formal query with the relevant dates and evidence.