New NWA groundwater protection regulations proposed
SHE Alert 35, 11 December 2025
Proposed Regulations for the Protection and Management of Groundwater Resources published in terms of the National Water Act 36 of 1998 (“NWA”).
The Minister of Water and Sanitation gave notice of her intention to make the Regulations for the Protection and Management of National Groundwater Resources in terms of section 26(1)(a), (b), (g) and section 143 of the NWA.
The purpose of the Regulations is to, amongst others:
identify and control certain activities related to the drilling of boreholes to ensure the protection of groundwater resources;
set general and specific requirements, practises and standards for drilling and management of aquifers and boreholes;
improve data and information management to better manage groundwater resources through the registration and data capturing measures proposed;
streamline the SANS standards for groundwater management, drilling and pump testing; and ensure that groundwater is managed in a sustainable manner.
Once promulgated, the Regulations will find application to all groundwater users (new and existing) including those issued with entitlements, permits, water court orders throughout the Republic of South Africa.
Members of the public are invited to submit written comments on the proposed Regulations within 60 days from the date of publication of the notice in the Government Gazette (excluding the 15th December 2025 to 5th January 2026 (i.e. on or before 14 February 2026).