This article examines the phenomenon of water sales by children in the urban area of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite the country’s abundant water resources, access to drinking water remains a major challenge in this city with a rapidly growing population. Faced with the failure of public infrastructure and endemic poverty, many families resort to child labour to meet their basic needs. Through a sociological approach rooted in Pierre Bourdieu’s theories of social capital and Serge Paugam’s theories of social exclusion, this study analyzes the root causes and daily realities of these child water sellers. The results show that this phenomenon is not only a consequence of economic precariousness, but also a reflection of a structural failure of the state in the provision of basic services. The article proposes a critical reflection on the implications of this early work on the physical, psychological and educational development of children, while highlighting the urgency of integrated public policies.