A Brakpan North resident was recently left stunned after receiving a staggering water bill from the City of Ekurhuleni totaling almost R30 000.

Tiffany Koppeschaar from Ellis Street shared how her frustration started in March when her water bill shot up with no explanation.

“On March 17, I went to their offices to dispute a shocking water bill of R7 228. I had previously paid reasonable amounts, with my bills being R2 136 on January 16, R1 720 on February 15, and suddenly R7 228 on March 15. For the past two years, none of my monthly statements have ever been higher than R3 000,” she said.

“When I confronted Ekurhuleni about this sudden spike, I was told to hire a plumber at my own cost to detect any leaks.

“I did so, and the plumber’s official report confirmed there was no water leak. I returned with the report, only to be told Ekurhuleni would need to test the water meter, but that I must first pay R3 700 for this.

“I was further told that if the water meter is outside my gate, it is their responsibility. To date, no assistance has been given, no testing has been done, and no clear explanation has been provided.

“To make matters worse, on April 15, my bill shockingly jumped to R21 721. This is completely unacceptable and unexplainable. Now in August, it’s R26 759.”

Koppeschaar stated she is not willing to accept excuses.

“I am demanding a clear explanation from Ekurhuleni, not shifting of blame and additional costs onto ratepayers,” she said.

“If I do not receive proper answers, I will escalate this matter beyond the municipality. Ratepayers cannot be punished for the municipality’s billing errors, and I believe the public needs to be aware of how residents are treated.”

CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said that according to an inspection report dated May 8, 2025, there was no leak found on the meter.

“If the customer doubts the accuracy of the water meter, they can apply for a water meter test,” he said.

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He provided details of Section 22 of the city by-laws regarding the meter test, which states:
(1) If a consumer or owner has reason to believe that the meter is not registering or functioning correctly, is defective in any other manner, an incorrect meter has been installed, or should there be a dispute in this regard, the consumer or owner may request the city to have the meter tested.

Such request must be accompanied by the fee prescribed in the tariff schedule for the testing of meters, and the city shall as soon as possible thereafter test the meter.

The fee shall be refunded if the meter is shown to be registering or functioning incorrectly through no fault or conduct of the consumer or owner.

(2) The city’s finding as to the accuracy of the meter after the test referred to in subclause (1) has been carried out shall be final.

A meter shall be conclusively presumed to be registering accurately if it satisfies the requirements of the relevant SANS/SABS standards and codes and/or the applicable ISO standards. A certificate issued by the city, or its duty authorised agent shall be prima facie proof of the accuracy or correct functioning of the meter. No further comment was provided.

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