Water users across the country have been urged by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to register or update their water use information in order to strengthen the management and protection of the country’s water resources.
The DWS said accurate registration allows both the department and Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs) to determine who is using water, where it is being used, how much is consumed, and for what purposes.
“This is critical to ensuring sustainable, equitable and efficient allocation of water, while supporting economic growth, development and social equity,” the department said in a statement.
The 90-day registration period opened on 24 April 2026, with water users urged to comply within the stipulated timeframe to avoid penalties and ensure compliance.
The department warned that failure to register continues to pose a serious risk to effective water resource management.
“Unregistered users create critical data gaps that undermine planning and decision-making, disrupt fair distribution and place additional strain on already limited water supplies. In a water-scarce country such as South Africa, this not only threatens long-term water security but also has broader implications for economic stability and growth,” the department said.
The department has urged all unregistered users or those with outdated details to come forward.
This includes individuals and entities who have acquired property from registered water users without updating ownership details; those who obtained land through restitution processes without notifying authorities, and those leasing property where water use has not been formally registered.
It also applies to users who have changed their contact or registration details without informing the department, as well as those operating boreholes for commercial purposes that have not been declared.
Agricultural users who have expanded into industrial activities are also required to ensure that all water uses are properly recorded.
Certain categories of users are exempt from registration. This includes those whose water use falls within the area of operation of a water user association -- provided their water use is registered through that structure.
However, any groundwater use for commercial purposes, including boreholes, must still be registered with the responsible authority.
Users classified under Schedule 1 of the National Water Act, 1998, are also exempt from registration requirements.
Beyond regulatory compliance, the DWS said registration benefits water users directly by strengthening security of access and promoting fair allocation, particularly during periods of scarcity. It also provides greater planning certainty for farmers, businesses and households, while ensuring their water needs are formally recognised in decision-making processes.
“This registration period provides an opportunity for all unregistered water users to disclose their water use, avoid penalties and safeguard their ongoing water use for economic and domestic activities,” the department said.
No fees during registration period
The department confirmed that no fees will be charged for applications submitted within the 90-day registration. However, late applications may incur a fee of R300 per property.
“Non-compliance with this directive constitutes an offence, and any person who fails to register or update their water use information within the stipulated period may, upon conviction, be liable to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years.”
The DWS encouraged all water users to act promptly to avoid penalties and to contribute to the responsible management of South Africa’s water resources.
For more information or to register and update water use details, members of the public can visit their nearest provincial Department of Water and Sanitation or Catchment Management Agency offices, or access the online portals on:
https://www.dws.gov.za/Projects/WARMS/Notices.aspx
https://www.dws.gov.za/Projects/WARMS/contacts.aspx. - SAnews.gov.za
