Umgeni Water is a public entity established in 1974 to provide water services - water supply and sanitation services - to other water services institutions in its service area. The organisation operates in accordance with the Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997) and the Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999), amongst others, and is categorised as a National Government Business Enterprise.  Umgeni Water reports directly to the Department of Water Affairs through the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive. The Executive Authority of the water board is the Minster of Water and Environmental Affairs.