DOCUMENTS

Groundwater Resource Assessment II

In late 2003, the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) of South Africa initiated the Groundwater Phase 2 Project, which is aimed at the quantification of the groundwater resources of South Africa on a national scale. The project has been carried out by a consortium of consultants comprising SRK Consulting, GEOSS, WSM and CSIR (SGWC) in close collaboration with key DWA personnel and was completed in June 2005. Algorithms have been developed for the estimation of storage, recharge, base flow and the impact of the reserve and present groundwater used has been recorded. The results, in addition to methodology, include several valuable datasets and maps and will provide input to various levels of planning and management of water resources once reviewed and verified. The data, information and paper copies of technical reports can be obtained from georequests@dwa.gov.za.

Geohydrological Reports

Geohydrological Reports are available at http://www.dwa.gov.za/ghreport. Users will be able to search the system. Alternatively mail your requests to georequests@dwa.gov.za.

Guidelines and Standards

• A Guideline for the Assessment, Planning and Management of Groundwater Resources in South Africa, March 2008

• Artificial Recharge Strategy for South Africa, June 2007

• A Framework for a National Groundwater Strategy (NGS), February 2007 [PDF - 1.6 MB]

• The Groundwater Strategy, 2010 [PDF - 16.2 MB]
  The Groundwater Strategy is divided into a series of themes or chapters, each of which has a number of recommended actions which address the challenges raised in the theme. The Strategy is designed as an input document to the National Water Resource Strategy (NWRS) 2nd edition.

• A Guideline for the Assessment, Planning and Management of Groundwater Resources within Dolomitic Areas in South Africa, August 2006

• Standard Descriptors for Geosites (SDG), March 2004 [PDF - 2.3 MB]
  A set of standards (or protocols) on how to describe Geosite data as well as a list of geosite types.  A geosite is any point where groundwater may be observed.
  Any suggestions or enhancements to the Standard Geosite Descriptors document can be sent to Ernst Bertram.
  
  
• A Protocol to manage the potential of Groundwater Contamination from Sanitation Practices, March 2003 [PDF - 630 KB]
  A set of guidelines for the establishment of sanitation facilities with the aim of protecting the groundwater resources of South Africa.
  
  
• Policy and Strategy for Groundwater Quality Protection and Management, April 2000 [PDF - 630 KB]
  Principles and policy regarding the matter.

• Minimum Standards and Guidelines for Groundwater Development in Water Services and Sanitation Projects, April 1997
  A set of guidelines relating to the siting, drilling, equipping and testing of boreholes.
  • Part 1: Overview [PDF - 508 KB]
  • Part 2: Data Capture and Recording Forms [PDF - 2.1 MB]
    

• A series of posters about groundwater and our health. It is an interactive teaching tool and must be used with the Teacher's Guide.
  • Poster 1 shows the water cycle [3.2 MB]
  • Poster 2 shows how groundwater can be polluted [2.5 MB]
  • Poster 3 shows you ways to keep water clean so that you stay healthy [3.2 MB]
    
    
• National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), 1998 (ACT No. 107 of 1998).
  • Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations - Part 1, 18 June 2010  [PDF - 2.7 MB]
  • Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations - Part 2, 18 June 2010  [PDF - 2.1 MB]
  • Listing Notice 1: List of Activities and Competent Authorities Identified in Terms of Section 24(2) & 24D
    [PDF - 600 KB]
  • Listing Notice 2: List of Activities and Competent Authorities Identified in Terms of Section 24(2) & 24D
    [PDF - 285 KB]
  • Listing Notice 3: List of Activities and Competent Authorities Identified in Terms of Section 24(2) & 24D
    [PDF - 2.3 MB]
  
  
  

Groundwater Master Plans

• Overview on Regional Groundwater Master Plans [PDF - 61 KB]
• North West Groundwater Master Plan , August 2010 [PDF - 3.3 MB]
• Eastern Cape Groundwater Master Plan , February 2010 [PDF - 5.5 MB]
• KwaZulu-Natal Groundwater Master Plan, January 2008 [PDF - 743 KB]
• Mpumalanga Groundwater Master Plan, March 2006 [PDF - 1.6 MB]

General Documentation

• National Groundwater Archive - Issues and concerns gathered during the Road Show [PDF - 225 KB]

Hydrogeological Maps Brochures

The following brochures for hydrogeological map sheets are available at R50 each.  Please mail your queries and orders to georequests@dwa.gov.za. Listed below are abstracts from the available brochures.

• Bloemfontein [PDF - 25 KB]
• Cape Town [PDF - 16 KB]
• Durban [PDF - 31 KB]
• Johannesburg [PDF - 28 KB]
• Kroonstad [PDF - 24 KB]
• Oudtshoorn [PDF - 27 KB]
• Port Elizabeth [PDF - 32 KB]
• Queenstown [PDF - 25 KB]
• Vryheid [PDF - 23 KB]