The Directorate: Hydrological Services, in terms of groundwater, is responsible for directing the assessment of groundwater resources, for building capacity and managing information systems in this regard, to ensure the sustainable development of groundwater countrywide.

Core Functions

Groundwater Resource Assessment and Monitoring (GRAM) 

• The on-going assessment of groundwater resources in terms of occurrence, quantification, quality, development potential and protection requirements in support of groundwater resources management.

• Auditing and optimisation of groundwater monitoring programmes and networks. Expansion of national network coverage and gradual upgrade to a national real time monitoring network.

• The on-going provision of technical and scientific support for groundwater development and integrated water resource management (allocation, conservation, resource directed measures, water quality management) at all levels.

Groundwater Information

The on-going development and maintenance of a national groundwater information system, its population with data of best possible quality, establishment of appropriate national standards in support of integrated water resource management.

Regional Support

The creation of Regional Groundwater Plans, to describe the shortcomings and actions needed to improve the data and information about groundwater and formalise any projects stemming from the identified shortcomings, is seen as indispensable to improve the image of groundwater.  A framework for the approach to such Regional Groundwater Master Plans [PDF - 61 KB] has been developed and can be downloaded for viewing.

An estimated 80 000 to 100 000 boreholes are being drilled annually.  The data generated through the drilling of this amount of boreholes can enhance the knowledge of the occurrences and utilisation of groundwater tremendously and thus it is imperative to get the data onto the DWAF databases.  At the same time it will enhance the Department’s ability to execute its mandate to protect, manage and control the groundwater resources of the country.

An international search has shown that it is common practice to register drilling contractors thus the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry has launched a project to investigate the mechanisms for successful registration processes as well as possible training and controlling mechanisms.

Contact details

Project Leader: Eddie van Wyk
E-mail: wca@dwaf.gov.za

Project Convenor: Ernst Bertram
E-mail: ernst@dwaf.gov.za