JB Marks Local Municipality Structure Updated Water Tariffs for 2026/2027

The management of municipal infrastructure requires regular adjustments to fiscal policies to align with ongoing resource expenditures. In line with this administrative cycle, the JB Marks Local Municipality has detailed its updated schedule of tariffs for the supply of water, set to take effect for the 2026/2027 financial year.

These changes apply to all monthly consumption accounts, or parts thereof, across residential, commercial, and industrial property sectors within the municipality's borders. According to the framework published by local authorities, all specified values are recorded as exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) and represent a definitive shift from the previous 2025/2026 baseline prices.  

Sliding Scales for Residential Properties and Apartments

For residential properties, specifically classified as Residential 1 erven, alternative properties housing dedicated residences, and flat complexes where each apartment utilizes an independent municipal water connection, the local government retains a tiered baseline model. Under this system, the unit rate per kilolitre (kℓ) escalates alongside total monthly volumetric consumption:  

• First 6 kℓ or less: Remains free of charge, ensuring basic human needs access for all registered consumers.  

• Following 6 kℓ (7 to 12 kℓ): Increases from the previous rate of R9.69 up to R10.27 per kℓ.  

• Following 20 kℓ (13 to 32 kℓ): Increases from the previous rate of R10.18 up to R10.79 kℓ  

• Following 20 kℓ(33 to 52 kℓ): Increases from the previous rate of R10.71 up to R11.35 per kℓ.  

• Following 24 kℓ(53 to 76 kℓ): Increases from the previous rate of R11.23 up to R11.90 per kℓ.  

• Consumption exceeding 76 kℓ: Increases from the previous maximum tier of R12.11 up to R12.84 per kℓ.  

Special Allocations for Educational, Commercial, and Industrial Zones

Commercial and educational entities face distinct, flat-tier structures based on corporate zoning laws rather than incremental usage brackets. Properties formally registered as Industrial 1, 2, 3, and 4 carry a binary pricing mechanism. The initial consumption up to 5,000 kℓ has been adjusted to R11.35 per kℓ (up from R10.71), while bulk industrial use exceeding the 5,000 kℓ threshold drops to a lower incentive rate of R10.27 per kℓ.  

A flat rate of R10.79 per kℓ (previously R10.18) applies to a broad category of institutional and mixed-use properties. This specific tier governs Model C schools, universities, teachers' colleges, and technical colleges. It similarly covers properties zoned as Residential 2, 3, and 4, Business 1, 2, 3, and 4, Special, Municipal, or Public Garages, provided the premises are not functioning as an Old Age Home, Retirement Resort, Children's Home, Hospital, or solely utilized for ecclesiastical functions. For all other miscellaneous consumers not falling into the main categories, the tariff stands at R14.18 per kℓ though small holdings in this bracket receive their first 6 kℓ free of charge.  

The implementation of these updated parameters ensures that the local municipal grid remains capable of meeting regional demand while funding essential treatment and distribution systems. Property owners and administrators are advised to review their latest zoning classifications and monitoring setups to accurately project their monthly utility liabilities under the updated 2026/2027 fiscal layout. Questions regarding specific account configurations or billing challenges can be directed to the municipal finance department during standard operating hours.

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