Plugging the Leaks: Mogalakwena’s Fight Against Water Loss (2021 – 2024)
Published by MCP-Programme in Strategic Water Management · Friday 18 Apr 2025 · 1:15
Water loss was a major issue in Mogalakwena, with 56.6% of water lost due to leaks and inefficiencies. Aging infrastructure and poor inventory management exacerbated the problem.
Key Challenges:
- High water losses, leading to financial strain and inconsistent supply.
- Aging infrastructure, including faulty meters and telemetry systems, made monitoring and management difficult.
- Lack of maintenance and standard operating procedures for leak detection.
Interventions & Results:
The MCPP team implemented a water conservation and demand management strategy, supported by Anglo American Platinum. Key actions included: - Introducing an electronic job card management tool to improve leak reporting and repairs.
- Conducting audits of water infrastructure to identify and address issues.
- Providing on-site plumbing support to fix leaks and transfer skills to municipal teams.
The Impact:
The results were immediate. Water losses decreased by over 25%, and non-revenue water dropped by nearly 35%. The municipality also submitted its first water balance and stock audit in five years, marking a significant step toward regulatory compliance. The Outcome:
Today, Mogalakwena’s water system is more efficient and reliable than ever. The municipality has the tools and knowledge it needs to reduce water losses and ensure that every drop counts. Acknowledgements:
Anglo Platinum, Mogalakwena Mine, Mogalakwena Local Municipality (MLM) Senior Water Management Team, MLM Plumbing Team, MCPP Implementation Team.
