Water: Inland management

There is an ever increasing demand for water and due to the scarcity of water in South Africa (Fresh water systems; A White Paper on the conservation and sustainable use of South Africa's biological diversity) the management of the available resources is critical. The National Water Act accepts the resposibility flowing from this need. It introduces a number of mechanisms that can be used to ensure the most beneficial use of water. This include the pricing strategy for water use set out in section 56.

A national water resource strategy (National Water Act) must at least provide for the requirements of the Reserve and identify water resources from which particular requirements must be met as well as actions to be taken to meet projected future water needs. It must also contain estimates of present and future water requirements and set out principles relating to water conservation and water demand management.