● South Africa’s Water Law Specialists
Helping organisations secure, manage, and use water legally and sustainably.
100%
Borehole Success Rate
3
Core Service Pillars
SA
Nationwide Coverage
NWA
Full Act Compliance
What We Do
Comprehensive Water Solutions
From borehole assessment to full regulatory compliance, we cover every aspect of water access and management under South African law.
Borehole Identification & Site Assessment
We use a scientific, data-driven approach to identify high-potential borehole locations and minimise drilling risk. Our process begins with desktop hydrological and geological assessments, followed by on-site geophysical surveys.
- ✓ Desktop hydrological & geological assessments
- ✓ Groundwater data, geological maps & satellite imagery analysis
- ✓ On-site resistivity testing and geophysical surveys
- ✓ Aquifer characterisation and recharge potential assessment
- ✓ Comprehensive hydrological report with recommendations
- ✓ Support for Water Use Licence applications
★ WaterLaw SA has a 100% success rate in borehole identification
Borehole Drilling & Development
We oversee the complete borehole drilling and development process. Drilling methods are matched to site geology, followed by full casing, screening, and aquifer development to ensure long-term performance.
- ✓ Method selection based on site geology
- ✓ High-quality casing and screen installation
- ✓ Borehole development via airlifting and flushing
- ✓ Yield testing and water quality analysis post-drilling
Yield Testing & Monitoring
Conducted under the oversight of a qualified geohydrologist. Our yield testing determines sustainable abstraction rates while protecting aquifer integrity and meeting all DWS regulatory requirements.
- ✓ Step tests and constant discharge tests
- ✓ Drawdown and aquifer recovery monitoring
- ✓ Protection against over-abstraction
- ✓ Aligned with DWS Annexure B requirements and supports WULA submissions
Water Quality Analysis
Comprehensive water quality testing in accordance with SANS 241:2015, analysed by accredited laboratories and classified against Class 1, 2, and 3 limits for clear guidance on treatment requirements.
- ✓ Full chemical and microbiological analysis
- ✓ SANS 241:2015 classification by accredited laboratories
- ✓ Class 1 (potable), Class 2 (basic treatment), Class 3 (advanced treatment)
- ✓ Treatment solution recommendations
Water Use Licence Applications (WULAs)
We manage the full WULA process in terms of the National Water Act. Our approach ensures applications are technically defensible and aligned with DWS expectations, reducing delays and approval risk.
- ✓ Section 21 water uses — abstraction, discharge, storage
- ✓ Technical reporting and motivation (Section 27 considerations)
- ✓ Stakeholder engagement and submission management
Typical approval timeline per Government Gazette No. 40713 (24 March 2017): up to 300 cumulative days from pre-application to decision.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
EIAs undertaken in accordance with NEMA regulations, focused on achieving practical, compliant environmental authorisations for water and infrastructure projects.
- ✓ Basic Assessments and full Scoping & EIA processes
- ✓ Public participation management
- ✓ Environmental Management Programmes (EMPrs)
General Authorisations (GAs)
A faster, cost-effective alternative to WULAs for qualifying projects. We facilitate water use registration under General Authorisations issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
- ✓ Technical submissions
- ✓ WARMS registration
Geohydrological Reporting & Specialist Studies
Detailed groundwater assessments and multidisciplinary specialist inputs for licensing, design, and regulatory compliance. All reporting aligns with DWS Procedural Requirements for Water Use Licence Applications and Appeals (2017) (Government Gazette No. 40713) under annexure B.
- ✓ Aquifer characterisation and groundwater impact assessments
- ✓ Hydrological and hydraulic assessments
- ✓ Water quality and pollution risk studies
- ✓ Ecological and wetland assessments
Auditing of Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants
Comprehensive audits of existing treatment systems to assess compliance, performance, and operational efficiency — with practical, engineering-driven recommendations.
- ✓ Compliance with DWS licence conditions
- ✓ Water quality verification against SANS 241
- ✓ Process performance and treatment efficiency review
- ✓ Mechanical, electrical & control system functionality
- ✓ Operations & maintenance practices and record keeping
Feasibility Studies for Water Projects
We assess the technical and financial viability of water projects, providing clear, data-driven decision support before capital investment is committed.
- ✓ Borehole and groundwater supply feasibility
- ✓ Treatment system selection and sizing
- ✓ Cost-benefit and risk analysis
Water Balance Assessments
We develop detailed water balances to quantify water inflows, usage, losses, and discharges across your facility or project. Essential for licence applications and reducing operational costs.
- ✓ Mapping of all water inputs — municipal, borehole, process water
- ✓ Quantification of consumption across operations
- ✓ Identification of losses, leaks, and inefficiencies
- ✓ Wastewater and reuse stream analysis
- ✓ Scenario modelling for optimisation and compliance
- ✓ Supports WULA/GA licence submissions
Guidance on Water Reuse & Treatment Solutions
Expert guidance on sustainable water reuse and treatment strategies, helping clients reduce reliance on municipal supply while ensuring full regulatory compliance. All systems are safe, efficient, and fit-for-purpose.
- ✓ Assessment of reuse opportunities from various water sources
- ✓ Selection and design of appropriate treatment technologies
- ✓ Compliance with DWS discharge and reuse standards
- ✓ Integration of treatment systems into existing infrastructure
- ✓ Cost-benefit and lifecycle analysis
“Founded to give every South African organisation the ability to access water legally, responsibly, and sustainably.”
We combine regulatory expertise, legal insight, and technical knowledge to provide solutions that ensure our clients comply with South Africa’s water legislation while building long-term water resilience.
Who We Are
Built for South Africa's Water Challenges
WaterLaw SA was founded with a clear vision: to safeguard the nation’s water resources today, so they continue to support businesses, communities, and future generations.
- Regulatory Expertise — Deep knowledge of the National Water Act and all DWS frameworks.
- Technical Excellence — Qualified geohydrologists and environmentalists.
- Client-First Approach — Clear, practical guidance through every step of the compliance journey.
Our mission is to ensure that every organisation we serve has reliable, sustainable, and legally compliant access to water — while protecting the country’s water resources for those who come after us.
Our Core Values
Three Pillars of Everything We Do
These principles guide every engagement — from initial site assessment to final compliance certification and beyond.
01
Reliable
We are committed to helping organisations across South Africa secure access to reliable water sources. We work to ensure that institutions, businesses, and communities can depend on sustainable water supply solutions that support long-term operations and growth.
02
Sustainable
We believe in protecting South Africa’s water resources for future generations. We promote responsible water use and sustainable water management practices that support economic development while safeguarding the environment.
03
Legal
We ensure that organisations access and use water in full compliance with South Africa’s water legislation. We guide our clients through regulatory processes so they can obtain water legally and operate with confidence.
Get Started Today
Ready to Secure Your Water Legally?
Whether you need a Water Use Licence, a borehole assessment, a General Authorisation, or ongoing compliance guidance — WaterLaw SA is your trusted partner in navigating South Africa’s water laws.