Can Rwandans safely drink tap water by 2029?

By The Inspirer.

The government believes so and has set a target to make it possible for citizens to drink water straight from the tap without boiling or further treatment.

This plan, revealed on November 25 during a session with the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Finance, aims to improve public health and reduce the cost households incur on treated drinking water.

Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore outlined a roadmap to achieve “tap-ready water” nationwide within the next four years.

Gasore explained that the milestone will depend on reducing non-revenue water — or treated water lost before it reaches users due to leakages, outdated infrastructure, and illegal consumption.

“By 2029, once we reduce water loss, the next phase will follow. We plan to begin with a pilot project to assess costs and required expertise. After receiving technical feedback and finalising the concept, we will move into planning and implementation with relevant institutions,” he said.

Currently, Rwanda’s non-revenue water stands at 39.5 percent, affecting both efficiency and water quality. Although treated water leaving factories meets safety standards, public advisories still recommend boiling it due to possible contamination in distribution pipes.

“Water treated at the plant is of high quality and safe, but to allow people to drink directly from the tap, we must guarantee consistent quality from the plant to households,” Gasore noted.

He added that Rwanda is learning from countries that have completed similar transitions.

He cited an Indian city that successfully installed modern systems that track chlorine and pH levels in real time using sensors placed throughout the network.

Rwanda plans to adopt similar technology, replace old pipelines, and install monitoring devices across the entire distribution system.

“If the goal is for people to consume water directly from the tap, there must be automated systems capable of adjusting chlorine levels whenever they drop along the network,” the minister said.

Asaph Kabaasha, Chief Executive Officer of WASAC Group, confirmed that contamination mainly occurs during transportation, especially through outdated pipes.

“The water produced at treatment plants meets quality standards, but some of it becomes contaminated due to old pipes. When leaks occur, untreated water may enter the network before reaching consumers,” he explained.

Kabaasha emphasized that reducing non-revenue water to 5 percent by 2029 will help maintain quality throughout the distribution system. “At that level, consumers could safely use water directly from the tap,” he said.

Senator Penine Uwimbabazi urged the government to fast-track the initiative, saying safe tap water would significantly reduce household spending on bottled and boiled water.

Work to curb wastage will be carried out in three phases, including prompt repairs of leaking pipes, ensuring all supplied water is billed, and improving customer payment compliance.

According to Gasore, the government is close to contracting a firm that will be paid based on results.

The initiative aligns with the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2, 2024–2029), which prioritizes universal access to safe drinking water.

WASAC’s five-year plan includes building new water treatment plants and expanding existing ones, boosting daily water production by 359,034 m³. Additionally, 1,785.7 km of pipeline networks are set to be rehabilitated.

Between 2017 and 2024, Rwanda built seven new water treatment plants, bringing the total number to 29 — marking significant progress toward a future where turning on the tap could be all it takes to enjoy clean drinking water.