A R5million house will be charged a R280 levy while properties valued between R6m and R7m will be charged between R340 and R420.
The highest charge is R2 800 for property values of R50m or more.
The ANC proposed the drought levy only be charged for properties starting at R1.5m. Those between R400 000 and R1m should be charged according their household income.
ANC councillor Fiona Abrahams said the revised charges would be more beneficial to poorer and middle class families.
Ernest Theron, ANC councillor, said: “You are abusing taxpayers for the mistakes you have made. You ask people to save water but then you punish them for doing so because your coffers are not filling up. That is wrong."
De Lille said there were many citizens prepared to pay a little extra.
“We have been approached by many who said they wanted to make a contribution. The allegations made by some parties are grossly misleading and incorrect. There are people who can pay this. Stop playing politics with this issue. It affects us all,” she said.
Xanthea Limberg, mayoral committee member for water affairs, said some capital was sourced from green bonds.
“But remember these monies have to be paid back. The responsibility for bulk water supply is with the national government. We are doing everything we can do. One also needs to remember the drought charge will only be in place for three winters. We will adjust our budgets as and when it is needed. This charge won’t be permanent,” she said.
At the same Council sitting on Tuesday, the three officials implicated in allegations of corruption and who were given seven days to say why they should not be suspended, were not suspended. this in order for an independent investigations to continue.