Water Prices in Zambia
Updated March 2026 · LWSC tariff schedule
Complete guide to water costs in Zambia — utility tariffs, borehole drilling, water tanks, and bottled water prices across major cities.
LWSC Water Tariff Schedule
| Category | Rate | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (0 – 6 m³) | ZMK 3.50/m³ | Lifeline tariff for low-income households |
| Residential (7 – 30 m³) | ZMK 7.80/m³ | Standard domestic consumption |
| Residential (31+ m³) | ZMK 12.50/m³ | High usage penalty tier |
| Commercial (small) | ZMK 15.00/m³ | Shops, restaurants, offices |
| Commercial (large) | ZMK 18.50/m³ | Hotels, factories, warehouses |
| Industrial | ZMK 22.00/m³ | Manufacturing, mining operations |
| Institutional (schools/hospitals) | ZMK 10.00/m³ | Discounted public service rate |
| Fixed Sewerage Charge | ZMK 45 – 120/month | Added to all connected properties |
Alternative Water Sources — Costs
Borehole Drilling (residential)
ZMK 25,000 – 60,000
Borehole Drilling (commercial)
ZMK 50,000 – 120,000
Hand-Pump Borehole
ZMK 15,000 – 30,000
Water Tank (5,000L JoJo)
ZMK 4,500 – 7,000
Water Tank (10,000L JoJo)
ZMK 7,000 – 12,000
Bottled Water (18.9L dispenser)
ZMK 35 – 55/refill
Bottled Water (500ml, 24 pack)
ZMK 65 – 95
Water Delivery Truck (10,000L)
ZMK 350 – 600
Water Supply in Zambia — Guide
Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) serves the capital and surrounding areas, while other cities are served by regional utilities: Nkana Water (Copperbelt), Southern Water, and Mulonga Water (Livingstone). Tariffs are set by the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) and reviewed annually.
Borehole vs Utility Water
Boreholes are increasingly popular due to unreliable utility supply. A residential borehole with solar pump provides free water after initial investment (payback period 3-5 years). However, WARMA permits are required, and groundwater quality varies — test before use. Lusaka's shallow water table (15-40m) makes boreholes cost-effective compared to Copperbelt (50-100m depth).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is water per month in Lusaka?
A typical Lusaka household using 15-20 m³ per month pays ZMK 120-200 for water plus ZMK 45-80 for sewerage — total of ZMK 165-280 monthly. This covers a family of 4-5 with normal usage (cooking, bathing, laundry, garden). High-end areas with large gardens can pay ZMK 400-800 due to the penalty tier for usage above 30 m³.
How much does it cost to drill a borehole in Zambia?
Residential borehole drilling costs ZMK 25,000-60,000 depending on depth (typically 30-80 metres), location, and geological conditions. This includes drilling, casing, pump installation, and a basic storage tank. Rocky formations cost 30-50% more. Add ZMK 5,000-15,000 for a solar-powered pump system. A borehole typically pays for itself within 3-5 years compared to utility water bills.
Is Lusaka tap water safe to drink?
LWSC-treated water meets WHO standards at the treatment plant, but quality can degrade in the distribution network due to ageing pipes, low pressure, and intermittent supply allowing contamination. Most residents boil or filter tap water for drinking. Installing a point-of-use filter (ZMK 300-800) or UV purifier provides safe drinking water at much lower cost than bottled water.
Which areas in Lusaka have the best water supply?
Kabulonga, Sunningdale, Woodlands, and Roma have the most reliable water supply as they are on dedicated feeder mains. Outlying areas like Chelstone, Libala, and compounds experience frequent rationing and low pressure. Eastern Lusaka and newly developed areas often rely on boreholes due to limited LWSC network coverage.