FAQ

Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces within soil, sand and rock. It is stored in and moves gradually through geologic formations of soil, sand and rocks called aquifers.

Water is always on the move. From the time the earth was formed, it has been endlessly circulating through the hydrologic cycle. Groundwater is an important part of this continuous cycle as water evaporates, forms clouds, and returns to earth as precipitation and then the cycle starts again. Only a small percentage of the precipitated water (surface water) is able to peculate into the subsurface and contribute to a groundwater aquifer through the process of recharge.

Recharge rates will depend on various aspects such as climate, soil moisture, grain size, catchment topography ext. Once the water has joined the aquifer through recharge, it doesn’t stop there. The groundwater slowly moves through the spaces and cracks between the soil particles on its journey to lower elevations. This movement of water underground is called groundwater flow.

Eventually, after years of underground movement, the groundwater comes to a discharge area where it enters a lake or stream and becomes surface water. There, the water will once again be evaporated and begin the cycle again.

It will be almost impossible to determine the hydraulic yield of a borehole prior to drilling and measurement. However, by conducting a proper geohydrolic investigation of the surrounding area’s geology, topography and related geohydrological conditions it is possible to estimate a groundwater yield if certain geohydrological structures were to be penetrated.

​Even if a water supplying borehole is drilled and recorded yields prove to be as predicted, SGHS highly recommend that further analysis be conducted in order to establish a sustainable yield for groundwater abstraction. This will ensure that the explored borehole is not stressed while in use, allowing long term sustainable use of this water resource.

Groundwater availability can be compared to credit availability in your bank account. Should you withdraw cash at higher values than your monthly salary, you will soon be having account supply problems. Therefore pumping water out of the ground faster than it is replenished over the long-term causes similar problems. The volume of groundwater in storage is decreasing in many areas of South Africa in response to over abstraction and decrease in rainfall. Groundwater depletion is primarily caused by sustained groundwater pumping during periods of decreased groundwater recharge. Some of the negative effects of groundwater depletion:

• Reduction of water in streams and lakes,

• Reduction in groundwater table,

• Deterioration in water quality,

• Drying up of boreholes,

• Drying up of water baring geological structures,

• Decrease in borehole’s sustainable yield

Due to low rainfall values in our country, groundwater recharge volumes have decreased drastically over the last few years. As a result of this water scarcity, more people have turned to groundwater as a water supply solution. However, many groundwater users do not comply with sustainable abstraction guidelines and add to the threat of water scarcity. It is critical that each individual play their role in water preservation to help sustain water quality and availability for future users.

When dealing with resources it is always important to ensure that the quality and quantity of the product to be utilized is known. By launching a comprehensive investigation of related resource aspects, calculated decisions regarding utilization can be made. We here at SGHS pride our self as being specialists in the field of geohydraulics and associated environmental impacts. Should you inquire any assistance with groundwater related aspects, our team of experienced professionals will provide recommended action plans to assist your needs.

The NEMA Act requires green energy projects to undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and obtain an environmental authorization before they can be developed and operated. This process includes scoping, baseline studies, impact assessment, public participation, and preparation of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) or Environmental Management Programme (EMPr). The environmental authorization specifies conditions that must be adhered to during the construction and operation of the project to manage environmental impacts. The project developer must also obtain any other permits or authorizations required, monitor and report on the project’s environmental impacts during its operation, comply with the conditions of the environmental authorization, and implement any mitigation measures specified in the EMP or EMPr. Overall, the NEMA Act provides a framework for ensuring that green energy projects are developed and operated in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner.

To obtain a water use license for a mining operation, a company must submit an application to the Department of Water and Sanitation, including an EIA report. The report must assess potential impacts, identify water resources affected, and describe measures for mitigation. The Department will assess the application, consult with stakeholders, and issue a draft license for public comment. The company must respond to comments, and the Department will specify conditions for sustainable water resource management if the license is approved. Compliance will be monitored and enforced. The process is governed by the National Water Act and its regulations.

Urban development projects are regulated under the NEMA Act and must undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, which considers the potential environmental impacts of the project, identifies mitigation measures, and assesses the significance of residual impacts. The developer must obtain an environmental authorization, which may include conditions for managing environmental impacts during the construction and operation of the project, such as soil erosion and sediment control, waste management, and air quality control. The authorization may also specify monitoring requirements and compliance obligations. The competent authority, usually the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, oversees the EIA process and environmental authorization, which may involve public participation and stakeholder consultation.

To obtain an agricultural development license under the NEMA Act, the developer must undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, which involves evaluating the potential environmental impacts of the project, identifying measures to mitigate those impacts, and assessing the significance of residual impacts. The EIA report must consider impacts on land, soil, water resources, air quality, and biodiversity. The developer must submit the EIA report to the competent authority, usually the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, and obtain an environmental authorization before the project can be developed and operated. The environmental authorization may include conditions for managing environmental impacts during the construction and operation of the project, such as soil erosion and sediment control, waste management, and air quality control. The authorization may also specify monitoring requirements and compliance obligations. The EIA process and environmental authorization may involve public participation and stakeholder consultation.

To monitor and audit environmental impacts and water use during operation, the NEMA and NWA Acts require companies to implement an Environmental Management Programme (EMP) that outlines the measures to be taken to manage and mitigate environmental impacts. The EMP should include provisions for monitoring the effectiveness of the measures taken, reporting on environmental impacts, and conducting regular audits of the company’s environmental management practices. The reports should be submitted to the relevant regulatory authority. The Department of Water and Sanitation may also require companies to install water meters or other monitoring equipment to monitor their water use.