The new penalties, announced on Monday, October 26, 2026, will take effect on November 1, replacing regulations that have been in place since 2015.
Under the changes, the amount offenders will pay depends on how and where the stolen water is used.
Those caught stealing water for household use will be fined Rwf 1 million, while anyone who reports such theft will receive a reward of Rwf 50,000.
The fine increases to Rwf 3 million for water stolen and used in the construction of single-storey houses, livestock farming or crop irrigation. People who report these cases will receive Rwf 100,000.
For larger construction projects, including multi-storey buildings or several single-storey houses built on the same site, offenders will face a fine of Rwf 5 million.
The same penalty will apply to businesses caught using water illegally, including factories, hotels, restaurants, bars, garages, car washes and swimming pools.
Schools, hospitals, health centres and other public or private institutions will also face fines of Rwf 5 million if found involved in water theft.
In all these categories, people who provide information about illegal water use will receive a reward of Rwf 100,000.
New Charges for Water Reconnection
WASAC has also announced that customers whose water supply has been disconnected will have to pay Rwf 20,000 to have it restored.
The fee will apply to those disconnected for failing to pay their bills on time, stealing water or other reasons that lead to service suspension.
The utility is now urging customers to settle their bills on time and avoid illegal connections that could leave them facing heavy fines.
“We encourage our customers to pay their water bills on time and avoid water theft to protect themselves from penalties,” WASAC said in its announcement.
The new measures mean that households, businesses and institutions found stealing water will face much higher financial consequences.
By introducing tougher fines and offering cash rewards to people who report theft, WASAC hopes to discourage illegal water use and encourage customers to follow the rules.
The changes are set to come into force on November 1, giving water users just days to prepare for the new penalties.
