Harare Makes Key Admission About Prepaid Water Meters After Residents’ Complaints
Residents using prepaid water meters in Harare have received an official explanation after long-standing complaints about being charged when only air comes out of their taps. The City of Harare says compressed air trapped in water pipelines can, under certain abnormal conditions, cause both prepaid and conventional water meters to register apparent water consumption.
City Of Harare Explains Why Air Can Register On Water Meters
In a public statement issued with its partner Helcraw Water on 5 August 2026, the City of Harare said the issue is not unique to prepaid water meters and is linked to how all mechanical water meters operate.
Introducing the statement, the City of Harare said:
“Both prepaid and conventional meters contain a precision-engineered impeller that rotates in response to fluid passing through the meter to measure consumption. Under certain abnormal hydraulic conditions, compressed air travelling through the distribution network may also cause the impeller to rotate, resulting in the registration of apparent consumption.”
The council said air can become trapped in pipelines after burst pipes, emergency repairs, pipe replacement works or intermittent water supplies. When water service is restored, the trapped air may pass through household meters before normal water flow resumes.
Harare Residents Advised What To Do When Only Air Comes Out Of Taps
The City of Harare said residents who notice only air coming from their taps should immediately close them instead of allowing the air to continue flowing.
“Prompt reporting of such incidents to the City of Harare or Helcraw Water will enable technical teams to investigate the affected section of the network and safely release trapped air.”
The council added that it is installing combination air valves and pressure relief systems across the network to reduce air-related metering incidents. It said research into improved water-meter technology is continuing worldwide, but current systems remain the best available and affordable option.
The statement comes as concerns over prepaid water meter billing continue to be raised by some Harare residents following periods of interrupted water supply.
The post City Of Harare Confirms Air Can Trigger Prepaid Water Meter Charges During Supply Disruptions appeared first on iHarare News.
