A national resource with immense promise

Since the democratisation of the country in 1994, groundwater’s role in South Africa has undergone a major change. Previously an undervalued resource generally for private use, groundwater has gained national recognition as a major life-giving source for domestic supply, agriculture and industry.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ENDORSED COURSES

• 5 April: Webinar – What geohydrologists need to know about borehole construction, pumps, VSDs and borehole operation • 20 April: Webinar: Decision support groundwater modelling - in spirit or in fact? (GWD Gauteng) • 29 April: Online course –

Groundwater Resources

Management New Online Course – 2022 (RWSN)

Groundwater supports more than 50% of towns and communities in the country, and is the sole supply to many mines, hundreds of towns and villages, and thousands of farms.

The importance of groundwater can no longer be underestimated. It is a critical resource that can help address growing water demand due to a booming population, food insecurity, environmental degradation and climate change.

In 2016, the updated National Groundwater Strategy (NGS) was developed, whereby the proper valuing of this previously neglected resource was highlighted. This was done to direct investment into its protection, conservation and sustainable use. The NGS, available on the Department of Water and Sanitation’s website, with its Implementation Guidelines did not come at a better time, as there are serious warning signals that groundwater use is on an unsustainable path.

Based on national monitoring networks, it is clear that not only our major aquifers, the karst and coastal aquifers, but also our hardrock aquifers, are under pressure in many locations. This is due to a combination of overabstraction causing declining water levels, and pollution causing poor water quality.

Promoting professionalism in groundwater

Since 1978, the GWD has taken up the banner as a neutral player, aiming to bring different stakeholders together to solve and prevent problems. One of its recent additions is the establishment of a database of professional (SACNASP registered) groundwater specialists that are active in the country and subscribe to a code of ethics. These specialists offer the knowledge and skills needed to manage groundwater sustainably, and are rooted in a scientific approach. In addition, the published abstracts database that offers an overview of all scientific papers and posters presented at the last five Groundwater Conferences, is a rich source citing research topics and work done across the country.

Through its ongoing initiatives (conferences, seminars, courses and outreach), the GWD strives to build awareness and create a platform to address all the issues around groundwater, its use, appreciation and preservation.

GROUND WATER DIVISION (GWD)

• Established in 1978 • Essentially a non-profit association, it is committed to upholding and promoting professionalism in the field of groundwater among its membership • The GWD is a community of professionals and other vested stakeholders who help South Africans understand and manage groundwater • In 2023, South Africa is hosting the 50th Congress of the International Association of

Hydrogeologists in Cape Town as a joint partnership between its South African National Chapter and the GWD of the Geological Society of South Africa. This is a great opportunity to showcase our country’s competence in groundwater science • The GWD focuses on networking, knowledge transfer, as well as capacity and awareness building through initiatives such as conferences, seminars and courses, talks and media relations, publications and sponsorships • It has a large database of registered professional hydrogeologists • For more information, visit the GWD website: gwd.org.za