Visit the Groundwater Page on the DWS Website
/The Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation has a groundwater page on the DWS website which provides valuable information on groundwater.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a groundwater-related question, visit the Frequently Asked Questions link.
An example of a Borehole Registration question: I have a borehole in my garden. Must I register the borehole?
The answer is twofold:
i) One does not register a borehole but a water use – whether the source is surface- or groundwater;
ii) No registration is required for this type of groundwater use as it falls under Schedule 1-uses.
Some municipalities however, have bylaws requiring the registration of boreholes. Please contact your local municipal authority to clarify the matter.
For more information on The Water Act and Schedule 1 - uses, click here.
An example of a Water Quality question: Is groundwater as clean and pure (drinkable) as surface water?
In most parts of the RSA, groundwater is a potable quality.
The areas where the natural groundwater quality is poor are well-mapped. The areas where the groundwater quality has been compromised by anthropogenic activities (kraals and poorly constructed pit toilets) are also known to the DWS.
It would be beneficial if you have drilled a borehole and intend to use it as a domestic source of water, that you have it tested chemically by a reputable laboratory.
News
You can also stay up-to-date with the latest groundwater news by accessing articles in the right-hand column. The Groundwater Level Maps for 2015 - 2021 make for interesting reading. Other maps are also available here.
