South Africa’s groundwater isn’t infinite—and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is tightening the rules to prove it. Recent updates to the National Water Act mean unregistered boreholes now face penalties, while licensed users gain long-term security. WellEx Drilling has guided hundreds of clients through compliance. Here’s what every property owner must know in 2025.
Key Changes You Can’t Ignore
| Requirement | Who It Affects | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Borehole Registration | All users | Within 12 months of drilling |
| Water Use Licence | >20,000 L/day (farms, factories) | Before extraction begins |
| Metering & Reporting | Licensed users | Annual submission |
| EIA Screening | Eco-sensitive zones (wetlands, dolomitic areas) | Pre-drilling |
Step 1: Register Your Borehole (Even If It’s Old)
- Why: Unregistered = illegal. Fines start at warning, escalate to closure.
- How: Submit GPS coordinates, depth, and yield via e-WULAAS portal.
- WellEx does it for you—included in every new installation.
Step 2: Know When You Need a Licence
- Residential (<5,000 L/day): Registration only.
- Small farms (5,000–20,000 L/day): General Authorisation (simpler form).
- Commercial/agri (>20,000 L/day): Full Water Use Licence (hydro report required).
Pro tip: WellEx’s in-house hydrogeologists compile the technical report—approved 98% first-time.
Step 3: Install a Compliant Meter
- Must be DWS-calibrated and tamper-proof.
- Record monthly volumes; submit online by 25th of following month.
- WellEx fits smart meters with SMS alerts for over-use.
Step 4: Avoid Red-Flag Zones
- Dolomitic land (Gauteng, NW): Mandatory geotech stability report.
- Coastal aquifers: Salinity monitoring required.
- Near rivers/wetlands: 500 m buffer rule applies.
WellEx conducts pre-compliance site scans to flag risks before you drill.
Real Story: The Mthembu Estate, KZN Midlands
“We expanded irrigation without realising we’d crossed 25,000 L/day. DWS issued a cease order. WellEx retro-fitted a meter, submitted the licence, and had us legal in 6 weeks—no downtime.” — Sipho Mthembu, 2025
One Call Keeps You Legal
Non-compliance isn’t a slap on the wrist—it’s a shutdown. WellEx Drilling handles registration, licensing, and reporting from day one.
Stay ahead of the law. Book a free compliance review and drill with confidence.
WellEx Drilling – Compliant. Sustainable. Nationwide.