Rwanda's water utility, WASAC Group, will introduce fines of up to Rwf5 million (US$3,400) for water theft starting November 1, 2026, replacing regulations that had been in place since 2015. The utility announced the new enforcement measures on October 26, with penalties varying according to the type of property where water is stolen and a rewards scheme for people who report offenders.
The penalty structure distinguishes between residential and commercial theft. Those caught stealing water for residential use face a fine of Rwf1 million (US$670). The fine increases to Rwf3 million for water theft at single-storey buildings under construction, livestock farms and agricultural sites. The highest penalty of Rwf5 million applies to multi-storey residential estates and commercial or institutional facilities, which include commercial buildings, hotels, lodges, bars, restaurants, cinemas, garages, swimming pools and public institutions such as schools and health facilities.
WASAC is incentivizing the public to report water theft by offering financial rewards. Informants whose reports lead to the identification of water theft involving residential houses will receive Rwf50,000, while reports involving other categories of properties will be rewarded with Rwf100,000. The utility said the measures are intended to strengthen the fight against water theft and encourage customers to comply with regulations governing water use.
The utility also set a reconnection fee of Rwf20,000 for customers seeking to restore their water supply after disconnection due to unpaid water bills, water theft or other reasons. WASAC urged customers to pay water bills on time and avoid illegal water connections and other forms of theft, warning that violations could result in financial penalties and service disconnection. The new measures take effect on November 1, 2026.
For Rwandan households and businesses, the stricter penalties and reconnection fees mean higher costs for water service violations, while lower water bills for compliant customers may be offset by the utility's push to reduce water losses and recover revenue.