● Our Story
Water law expertise, built for South Africa.
WaterLaw SA was founded with a clear vision: to give every South African organisation the ability to access and manage water resources legally, responsibly, and sustainably.
Our Mission
Navigate. Comply. Secure.
We help clients navigate South Africa’s water laws to secure legal access to water and manage it responsibly for the long term. Every engagement is built around clear, defensible outcomes that protect our clients and the country’s water resources.
Our Vision
Reliable. Sustainable. Legal.
To ensure that every organisation we serve in South Africa has reliable, sustainable, and legally compliant access to water — while protecting the country’s water resources for future generations.
Our Founding
Why WaterLaw SA Exists
South Africa faces a growing water challenge. Organisations across all sectors — agriculture, mining, industry, municipalities — need reliable access to water, but navigating the legal and regulatory landscape is complex, time-consuming, and often misunderstood.
WaterLaw SA was founded to close that gap. We bring together regulatory expertise, legal insight, and deep technical knowledge to give organisations the clarity and confidence they need to access water legally and use it responsibly.
“Our mission is to safeguard the nation’s water resources today, so they continue to support businesses, communities, and future generations.”
We combine a scientific, data-driven approach with practical compliance guidance — so our clients don’t just get water, they get it right. Every time.
Core Values
The Three Pillars of Everything We Do
These principles are not just words on a page — they define how we work, what we promise, and the legacy we’re building.
01
Reliable
WaterLaw SA is 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.
Reliability is built on our 100% borehole identification success rate — a testament to the rigour of our scientific process.
02
Sustainable
WaterLaw SA believes 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.
Every recommendation we make is assessed against its long-term impact on aquifer health and the broader water ecosystem.
03
Legal
WaterLaw SA ensures 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.
From WULAs to General Authorisations and EIAs, we manage every step of the compliance journey with precision.
Why WaterLaw SA
What Sets Us Apart
We don’t just file paperwork — we combine deep technical knowledge with regulatory expertise to deliver outcomes that last.
100% Borehole Success
Our scientific, data-driven approach to site assessment means we have never identified a dry or unviable borehole. Every project begins with thorough hydrological analysis before a single drill touches the ground.
Technically Defensible
Every licence application, EIA, and geohydrological report we produce is built to withstand scrutiny. Our submissions are aligned with DWS expectations, reducing delays and the risk of rejection.
End-to-End Service
From initial site assessment through to yield testing, licensing, auditing, and ongoing compliance guidance — we manage the entire water journey so you don't have to coordinate multiple contractors.
Our Approach
How We Work With You
Every project follows a clear, rigorous process — from first assessment to final certification.
1 — Initial Consultation & Scoping
We assess your water needs, existing infrastructure, and regulatory obligations to define the correct pathway — whether that’s a WULA, General Authorisation, or borehole programme.
2 — Technical Investigation
Desktop studies, geophysical surveys, hydrological assessments, and site investigations are conducted by qualified professionals to build an accurate picture of the resource.
3 — Reporting & Submission
Comprehensive, DWS-aligned technical reports are compiled and submitted. We manage the full application process including stakeholder engagement and authority liaison.
4 — Ongoing Compliance & Support
Post-approval, we continue to support clients with monitoring programmes, audits, licence condition management, and any operational guidance required.
“We don’t just get you compliant — we build the water resilience your organisation needs to thrive long-term.”
Our approach combines the precision of a technical consultancy with the clarity of a specialist legal adviser. Every deliverable we produce is built to stand up to regulatory scrutiny and serve your organisation’s interests.
success rate to date
Work With Us
Let's Solve Your Water Challenge
Whether you’re starting from scratch with a borehole programme or need to regularise an existing water use — WaterLaw SA is ready to help you move forward with confidence.