This Act makes provision for the conservation and development of water resources in South Africa. The purpose of this Act is to ensure that the nation's water resources are protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled in ways which take into account amongst other factors: promoting equitable access to water; redressing the results of past racial and gender discrimination; promoting the efficient, sustainable and beneficial use of water in the public interest; facilitating social and economic development; protecting aquatic and associated ecosystems and their biological diversity; meeting international obligations. The Act (164 sections divided into 17 Chapters and completed by 7 Schedules) contains provisions on: Interpretation and Fundamental Principles (Chap. 1); Water Management Strategies (Chap. 2); Protection Of Water Resources (Chap. 3); Use of Water (Chap. 4); Financial Provisions (Chap. 5); General Powers and Duties of Minister and Director-General (Chap. 6); Catchment Management Agencies (Chap. 7); Water User Associations (Chap. 8); Advisory Committees (Chap. 9); International Water Management (Chap. 10); Government Waterworks (Chap. 11); Safety of Dams (Chap. 12); Access to And Rights Over Land (Chap. 13); Monitoring, Assessment and Information (Chap. 14); Appeals and Dispute Resolution (Chap. 15); Offences and Remedies (Chap. 16); General and Transitional Provisions (Chap. 17). The following matters are dealt with in the Schedules: Permissible Use of Water (1); Procedural Matters Regarding Servitudes (2); Powers which may be Exercised and Duties to be Performed by Catchment Management Agencies on Assignment or Delegation (3); Management and Planning of Water Management Institutions (4); Model Constitution of Water User Association (5); Water Tribunal (6); Acts repealed (7).
National Water Act.