January 2026 - Water Consumption

Written By philip tamba

Our monthly reports show the latest trends in water consumption data and placing these in the context of the DMDO’s business model, which is to share in the revenue generated from the sale of water to cover its operating expenses and repay investment.

The report shows data from district to household.

Any questions or feedback, please contact me, Victor William, at victor80.vw@gmail.com.

1. Lindi District Water Operator (CBWSO) Data

Data start from month in which Water Operators were consolidated

Lindi District Rural Water Consumption: Comments & Observations

  • [any comment to make?]

Note: January data not available at time of writing

Notes on Water Operator Revenue vs. Operating Expenditure

  • Revenue not ‘actual’ - calculated by litres consumed x TZS5 / litre.

  • TZS5 / litre is not current price but the affordable price that DMDO business model relies on.

  • DMDO business model assumes suplus used for:

    • Water Operator service improvement;

    • DMDO (a.k.a. Rural Water Intermediary) Operating Costs; and

    • Return-Seeking Investor in Water Supply Infrastructure.

  • Current Problem is Low Price and Revenue Loss

Digitisation of Water Supply (through Prepaid Metres) addresses Revenue Loss problem.

2. DMDO Footprint Data

DMDO Footprint Data - Comments & Observations

  • Lindwandwali & Mandwanga Water System has had encouraging year-on-year increase in consumption over the last 6 months. We think this is because [what ideas?]

  • [Seasonality] comments

  • [problems with Nyundo 1]

  • [what’s happening with Chiuta?]

  • [anything else to report?]

3. Household Connection Data

The DMDO has installed prepaid meters at 8 households in 4 villages within the 3 Water System. These are pilots to show that consumption is much higher in household connections and that this supports a financial product in which the household connection can be financed and that debt serviced out of revenue from increased consumption.

Household Connection Data - Comments & Observations

Consumption was unusually high in December and unusually low in January because Yusta Ngonyani in Chiuta village bought 50,000 litres for his household of three people and did not buy any water in January [Victor, is this right? Do you have a story behind this?]

philip tamba