Water use licences in South Africa are issued for a set period and come with conditions. If your licence is nearing its end, or your water use has changed, you need to act early to keep using water lawfully.
These seven steps explain how to prepare for renewing or amending a water use licence with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
Our guide to groundwater monitoring systems explains data loggers, telemetry and network design.
1. Review your current licence
Check the expiry date, the authorised volumes, the water uses listed and every condition. Note any conditions you have struggled to meet, as the Department will look at your compliance record.
2. Gather your compliance records
Collect meter readings, monitoring data, annual reports and any correspondence with the Department. Good records show that you have used water responsibly and support your application.
Renewals and amendments are handled by the Department of Water and Sanitation through the same system as new applications.
3. Check whether your water use has changed
If you now pump more water, use it for a different purpose or have drilled new boreholes, you may need an amendment or a new application rather than a simple renewal. Be honest about the changes.
4. Contact the Department early
Speak to the DWS regional office or catchment management agency well before the expiry date. Ask which process applies to you and which documents and reports they need.
5. Update your technical information
Updated pump test results, water level data and water quality analyses show that your abstraction is still sustainable. A short geohydrological update report is often the best way to present this.
6. Submit through the online system
Applications are submitted through the DWS electronic water use licence system (e-WULAAS). Upload complete documents and keep proof of submission.
7. Follow up and keep complying
Track your application and respond quickly to any requests. While you wait, keep meeting your current conditions and recording your use.
For South African projects, our post on borehole regulations in South Africa explains Schedule 1 use, registration and when a licence is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start the renewal process?
As early as possible, ideally many months before expiry, because assessments can take time and late applications risk a gap in authorisation.
What if my licence has already expired?
Contact the Department immediately and get professional advice. Continuing to use water without valid authorisation is unlawful.
Do I need new specialist reports?
Often an update is enough, but if your use has changed or there are concerns about the aquifer, a fuller geohydrological report may be required.
Conclusion
Renewing a water use licence is straightforward when you start early, keep good records and present up-to-date technical information.
If you are unsure whether your borehole needs to be registered or licensed, GeoBella can handle the borehole registration and water use licence application for you.
