If your water use goes beyond Schedule 1 and the general authorisations, you need a water use licence from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). The process is detailed, but it becomes manageable once you know the steps.
This guide explains each stage of a water use licence application (WULA) in South Africa and what you can do to avoid delays.
For South African projects, our post on borehole drilling and licensing costs breaks down siting, drilling, testing and licensing costs.
Which water uses need a licence?
Section 21 of the National Water Act lists the water uses that are regulated. They include taking water from a water resource (such as a borehole), storing water, disposing of waste or wastewater, and altering a watercourse. Whether a specific use needs a licence depends on its size, purpose and location, and on whether Schedule 1 or a general authorisation already covers it.
Step 1: Pre-application consultation
Most applications start with a pre-application meeting with the DWS regional office or catchment management agency. The meeting confirms which water uses are triggered, which reports are required and whether public participation is needed. Getting this right at the start saves months later.
Applications are submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation, which assesses and decides on water use licences.
Step 2: Specialist studies
For groundwater abstraction, the key study is usually a geohydrological report. It describes the aquifer, the results of pump tests, the sustainable yield, the effect on neighbouring boreholes and the water quality. Other uses may need wetland, aquatic or engineering reports.
Step 3: Submit the application online
Applications are submitted through the DWS electronic water use licence system (e-WULAAS). You upload the application forms, specialist reports, maps, proof of land ownership or consent, and supporting motivation.
Step 4: Public participation
Where required, interested and affected parties must be notified and given a chance to comment. Comments and responses form part of the application. Starting early and keeping good records of the process prevents disputes later.
Step 5: Assessment by the Department
The Department assesses the application against the National Water Act, including the effect on other users, the reserve and the catchment. Officials may ask for more information or visit the site. Answering requests quickly keeps the application moving.
Step 6: Decision and licence conditions
If the licence is granted, it comes with conditions such as maximum volumes, metering, monitoring and reporting. Read the conditions carefully: they are legally binding for the life of the licence. Decisions can be appealed to the Water Tribunal.
How long does a WULA take?
Timeframes depend on the type of water use, the completeness of the application, whether public participation is needed and the Department’s workload. A complete, well-supported application is the single biggest factor you control.
Tips to avoid delays
- Hold a pre-application meeting before commissioning reports
- Make sure the geohydrological report is based on proper pump tests
- Include all land ownership and consent documents
- Respond to information requests promptly
- Keep a full record of public participation
Our guide to renewing a water use licence explains how to renew or amend a licence before it expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a water use licence myself?
Yes, but most applicants use a specialist because of the technical reports and the online system. A complete application is far less likely to be delayed.
Do I need a licence for every borehole?
No. Many boreholes fall under Schedule 1 or a general authorisation. A licence is needed when your use exceeds those limits or when the area is stressed.
What reports are needed for a groundwater licence?
Usually a geohydrological report with pump test results, sustainable yield, impact on neighbours and water quality, plus maps and motivation.
Conclusion
A water use licence application rewards preparation. Clarify the triggered uses early, base your application on sound geohydrological data and keep the process well documented.
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.
