The entity 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 and Sanitation (DWS), through the Board (Accounting Authority), and through its functionaries, the Chairperson of the Board, and the Chief Executive. The Minister of Water and Sanitation is the Executive Authority for Water Boards.