Did you know…?
South Africa is a water scares country, the 30th driest in the world. Combined with having uneven rainfall, this makes water a hot commodity. Water is an essential source of society and any land as life is impossible without water. Water resources are managed by the location, quantity and quality of water and the variability of water in the future.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWA) is central to the economic development and social well-being of the country as its mandate to provide sufficient, reliable, clean water 365 days a year to support socio-economic growth.
The legislative mandate is to ensure that the country’s water resources are protected, managed, used, developed, conserved and controlled by regulating and supporting the delivery of effective water supply and sanitation. This is done in accordance with the requirements of water-related policies and legislation that are critical in delivering on people’s right to have sufficient food and water, growing the economy and eradicating poverty.
The purpose of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) as amended, is to ensure that the nation’s water resources are protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled in numerous ways. The national water resources strategy delivers the country’s framework for the conservation, protection, management, development, control and use of water resources. It also offers the structure of the management within catchment or regional areas in water management areas.
Approval must first be required from municipalities in order to use water from a source other than the proposed water service provider in terms of the Water Services Act. External guidelines are developed for an application process by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) for generic water use authorisation.
According to Section 21 of the National Water Act 36 of 1998, a Water Use License must be applied for if any of the following water uses are triggered:
a) Abstraction of water from a water resource;
b) Storage of water;
c) Impending or diverting the flow of water in a watercourse;
d) Engaging in a stream flow reduction activity;
e) Engaging in a controlled activity
f) Discharging waste or water containing waste into a water resource through a conduit;
g) Disposing of water in a manner which my detrimentally impact on a water resource
h) Disposing of water containing waste or water which has been heated in any industrial or power generation process;
i) Alternating the bed, banks, course or characteristics of a watercourse;
j) Removing, disposing or discharging of water found underground for the continuation of an activity or for safety of people;
k) Using water for recreational purposes.
To process any WULA, there are generally six steps to follow. The application process is divided into 3 Phases which must be completed comprehensively. These steps are aimed at testing the application specifically against Section 27 of the NWA. WUL processes now promise authorisation within 300 calendar days, if all documents and studies are in order.
Have a fantastic week, and please feel free to contact us if you require any confirmation or information before conducting any activity which might have an impact on our environment.
