Non-payment, unlawful connections hurting Ghana Water’s operations – GWL warns

Introduction

Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has issued a critical alert regarding the sustainability of the nation’s water supply. The utility company is facing significant operational hurdles driven by two primary factors: the widespread non-payment of water bills by consumers and the prevalence of illegal water connections. These issues are not merely administrative inconveniences; they represent a direct threat to the technical and financial capacity required to maintain, expand, and modernize Ghana’s water infrastructure. As the country approaches the challenging dry season, the call to action from GWL is urgent. This article explores the multifaceted challenges facing the water sector, the specific technical setbacks, and the practical steps needed to secure a stable water future for all Ghanaians.

Key Points

Background

The management of water resources in Ghana is a complex undertaking that balances natural resource availability with the engineering challenges of distribution. Ghana Water Limited (GWL) is the state-owned entity responsible for the treatment and distribution of portable water to urban and peri-urban areas. Historically, the utility has struggled with a “non-revenue water” (NRW) rate—the volume of water lost through physical leaks or commercial issues like theft and underbilling—that is often significantly higher than the global benchmark of 15-20%.

Financial sustainability is the bedrock of any utility. In the context of GWL, revenue collection is the engine that funds the entire operation. This revenue covers everything from the purchase of treatment chemicals and the payment of electricity bills for pumping stations to the maintenance of pipelines. When revenue collection falters due to non-payment, the ripple effects are felt across the entire organization. It forces the utility into a reactive maintenance mode rather than a proactive expansion mode. The current crisis, highlighted in late 2025, is an escalation of long-standing issues, now reaching a tipping point where major infrastructure projects are at risk of stalling.

Analysis

The Economic Impact of Non-Payment

According to Stanley Martey, the Public Relations Officer for GWL, the failure of consumers to pay their water bills is the single biggest impediment to the company’s progress. Water is a economic good, not just a social right, meaning the cost of producing and delivering it must be recovered to sustain the cycle of service. When a significant portion of the customer base defaults on payments, the utility’s cash flow dries up. This liquidity crisis makes it impossible to secure loans or invest in capital projects. The funds required to build new water treatment plants, which are essential for increasing the national water production capacity, simply are not available. This financial stagnation directly impacts the nation’s ability to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Technical Consequences of Illegal Connections

Mr. Martey emphasized that “illegal connections” are a dual threat. First, they represent a massive commercial loss—water is being produced, treated, and pumped, but no revenue is generated from it. Second, unauthorized tapping into the distribution network compromises the hydraulic integrity of the system. Illegal connections are rarely done by certified plumbers; they often involve the use of inferior materials and forceful insertion into pressurized mains. This leads to:

• Pressure Drops: Sudden, unauthorized extractions lower the pressure in the pipes, affecting neighboring homes and businesses.
• Contamination Risks: Poorly executed connections can allow soil and pathogens to enter the water supply, posing public health risks.
• Pipe Bursts: The structural damage caused by tampering with the network increases the frequency of pipe bursts, leading to more water loss and service interruptions.

The statement “when people are stealing water and not paying their bills, it becomes very difficult for us to mobilise the tech needed” highlights that modern water management relies heavily on data and technology. Smart meters, pressure sensors, and automated billing systems cost money. Without the funds generated from legitimate bill payments, GWL cannot procure these technologies that help detect leaks and illegal usage efficiently.

The Seasonal Challenge: Harmattan and Demand Management

The hydrological cycle in Ghana is highly seasonal. The transition into the dry season, specifically the harmattan period (December to February), poses a unique stress test for water supply. During this time, water levels in the Volta River and other raw water sources drop significantly due to lack of rainfall and increased evaporation. Simultaneously, the dry, dusty air increases the public’s demand for water for drinking, bathing, and cleaning. GWL’s warning about the “very serious dry season” is a technical forecast based on hydrology. If the infrastructure is already compromised by lack of investment (due to non-payment) and high non-revenue water (due to theft), the utility will struggle to meet the peak demand, potentially leading to rationing or outages.

Practical Advice

For Consumers: Ensuring Sustainable Supply

To support the operations of Ghana Water Limited and ensure a continuous flow of water, consumers must take specific actions:

1. Regularize Payments: Ensure that water bills are paid promptly and consistently. Set up standing orders with banks if available to avoid missing due dates.
2. Report Leaks and Theft: If you see water wastage from a burst pipe or suspect an illegal connection in your neighborhood, report it immediately to GWL. This helps protect the shared resource.
3. Audit Your Usage: Check your own premises for leakages. A running toilet or a dripping tap can waste thousands of liters of water annually, increasing your bill and straining the system.
4. Adopt Water Conservation Habits: As advised by Mr. Martey, use water judiciously. Turn off taps while brushing teeth, take shorter showers, and reuse water for gardening where possible.

For the Utility: Strategic Interventions

While public cooperation is vital, GWL must also continue to enforce its policies:

• Aggressive Revenue Mobilization: Implement strict disconnection policies for defaulters and utilize debt collection agencies where necessary.
• Public Education Campaigns: Continuously educate the public on the cost of water production and the impact of illegal connections.
• Technological Integration: Prioritize the deployment of prepaid water meters in high-density and high-loss areas. This ensures payment before consumption and eliminates the need for manual billing in those zones.

FAQ

Conclusion

The warning from Ghana Water Limited is a stark reminder that water security is a shared responsibility. The utility’s ability to deliver safe, reliable water is intrinsically linked to the financial health of the company, which is fueled by consumer payments and the integrity of the distribution network. Illegal connections and bill non-payment are not victimless crimes; they are direct attacks on the infrastructure that serves millions. As the dry season approaches, the cooperation of every Ghanaian is required to navigate the impending strain on water resources. By paying bills, stopping illegal connections, and conserving water, the public can help GWL stabilize operations and invest in the future water security of the nation.