Water Use Licences in South Africa: The Role of a Geohydrological Study

Water is one of South Africa's most valuable resources, and the law treats it that way. Under the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998), many activities that take, store, discharge or affect water need to be authorised by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). For projects that rely on or impact groundwater, a geohydrological study is usually at the heart of the application.

What counts as a water use?

Section 21 of the National Water Act lists the water uses that need authorisation. Examples that often apply to our clients include:

• Taking water from a borehole, river or dam.
• Storing water.
• Discharging or disposing of waste or water containing waste.
• Altering the bed, banks or characteristics of a watercourse.
• Removing underground water for mining or construction (dewatering).

Depending on the size and type of use, you may qualify for a General Authorisation or need a full Water Use Licence. Applications are submitted through the DWS e-WULAAS online system.

When do you need a geohydrological study?

A geohydrological (hydrogeological) study is typically required when a project will abstract groundwater, could contaminate an aquifer, or needs to understand how groundwater will behave around new infrastructure. This includes:

• New mines and mining authorisations (coal, diamonds, chrome and others).
• Township establishment and formalisation of stands.
• Boreholes supplying farms, lodges, factories or communities.
• Pipelines and bulk water infrastructure.
• Waste facilities, filling stations and industrial sites.

What the study includes

• Desk study of geology, existing boreholes and groundwater data.
• Hydrocensus: visiting surrounding boreholes and water users.
• Geophysical surveys and borehole siting where new boreholes are needed.
• Aquifer (pumping) tests to determine sustainable yields.
• Water quality sampling and laboratory analysis.
• Conceptual groundwater model and impact assessment.
• Monitoring programme and management recommendations.

Why quality matters

Incomplete or weak technical reports are a common reason for delays in licence applications. A well-structured geohydrological study that answers the regulator's questions up front helps the process move faster and protects your project against future disputes.

Our hydrogeological projects

Geo Equilibria has completed geohydrological investigations for the South Coast Pipeline Phase 3 in Hibberdene for Umngeni-Uthukela Water, a water use licence at Frankenwald in Johannesburg, the formalisation of 700 stands in Delareyville, and mining authorisations for coal, diamonds and chrome in KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and North West.

A strong geohydrological study is the backbone of a successful water use licence.

Need help with a water use licence?

Our SACNASP-registered hydrological scientists can scope, carry out and report on the geohydrological work your application needs. Call 073 908 5240 or send us a message to get started.