Water Rates in Zambia
LWSC & NWSC Tariffs · Updated March 2026
Current water utility tariffs, borehole costs, and water tank prices across Zambia. Rates set by NWASCO (National Water Supply & Sanitation Council).
Water Tariffs & Costs
Residential (0-6 m³)
LWSC lifeline tariff
ZMK 3.50/m³
Residential (7-30 m³)
Standard domestic band
ZMK 8.20/m³
Residential (31+ m³)
High consumption band
ZMK 12.50/m³
Commercial / Business
Shops, offices, restaurants
ZMK 15.80/m³
Industrial
Factories and manufacturing
ZMK 18.00/m³
New Connection Fee
Depends on distance from main
ZMK 800 – 2,500
Borehole Drilling (Average)
40-80 metre depth typical
ZMK 15,000 – 35,000
Water Tank (5,000L)
JoJo, Roto, plastic tanks
ZMK 2,500 – 4,500
Water Delivery Truck (10,000L)
Per truck load, varies by area
ZMK 350 – 600
Monthly Sewer Charge
Added to water bill automatically
ZMK 50 – 150
Water Utility Providers
| Provider | Coverage |
|---|---|
| LWSC (Lusaka) | Lusaka Province |
| NWSC (Copperbelt) | Kitwe, Ndola, Mufulira |
| SWSC (Southern) | Livingstone, Choma |
| Mulonga Water (Western) | Mongu, Senanga |
Water Supply in Zambia — What You Need to Know
Zambia's water supply is managed by regional water utilities regulated by NWASCO. LWSC (Lusaka Water & Sewerage Company) serves the capital, while NWSC covers the Copperbelt. Coverage is expanding but many peri-urban areas still rely on boreholes and communal taps.
Boreholes — A Popular Alternative
Many homeowners invest in private boreholes, especially in areas with unreliable municipal supply. A typical residential borehole costs ZMK 15,000-35,000 to drill (40-80m depth) plus ZMK 3,000-8,000 for a submersible pump. While the upfront cost is significant, a borehole eliminates monthly water bills and can serve a household for 20+ years. Water quality should be tested annually at ZMK 200-500 per test.
Water Conservation Tips
Fix leaking taps immediately — a dripping tap wastes 20+ litres per day. Use a water tank (ZMK 2,500-4,500 for 5,000L) to store water during supply interruptions. Install low-flow showerheads to reduce consumption by 30-40%. Collect rainwater during the wet season for garden irrigation. These measures can cut your monthly water bill by 20-30%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the water bill in Lusaka?
A typical Lusaka household using 15-20 m³ per month pays ZMK 120-200 on their LWSC water bill, including sewer charges. Larger households with gardens may use 30+ m³ and pay ZMK 350-500. The lifeline tariff for the first 6 m³ is ZMK 3.50/m³ to support low-income households.
How do I pay my LWSC water bill?
You can pay via mobile money (Airtel Money, MTN MoMo), the LWSC website portal, bank transfer, or in person at LWSC customer service centres. Mobile money is the most popular method — dial *330# (Airtel) or *303# (MTN) and select LWSC from the bill payments menu.
How much does a borehole cost in Zambia?
Borehole drilling costs ZMK 15,000-35,000 depending on depth (40-80m typical), location, and geology. Additional costs include the submersible pump (ZMK 3,000-8,000), storage tank (ZMK 2,500-4,500), and installation. Total borehole project cost is typically ZMK 25,000-50,000. A borehole can serve a household for 20+ years.
Is tap water safe to drink in Zambia?
LWSC-treated water in Lusaka is generally safe but many residents use additional filtration or boil water as a precaution. Water quality varies by area — newer suburbs tend to have better supply. Bottled water (1.5L) costs ZMK 8-15. Many households install water filters (ZMK 200-800) for drinking water.
What happens if I don't pay my water bill?
LWSC sends reminders after 30 days. After 60 days of non-payment, water supply may be disconnected. Reconnection fees range from ZMK 200-500. You can negotiate payment plans with LWSC for outstanding balances. Prepaid water meters are available in some areas to help manage costs.