Water Management and Licensing in South Africa

This source outlines South Africa's legal framework for water management, emphasizing the National Water Act (36 of 1998) and the Department of Water and Sanitation's (DWS) role as custodian. It highlights the agricultural sector's significant water consumption and its responsibility for sustainable use. The text details four categories of water rights: Schedule 1 (low-volume uses not requiring licensing), Existing Lawful Use (ELU) for pre-1998 water use, General Authorization (GA) allowing specific uses under set conditions, and Water Use Licenses (WULs) required for activities exceeding Schedule 1, GAs, or those initiated post-1998. It also clarifies the registration process for water use, distinct from water rights, and encourages farmers to understand these regulations to secure their water entitlements.