Government Notice no. 3139 of 2023. Revision of general authorisations for water uses in terms of section 39 of the National Water Act no. 36 of 1998, as defined in sections 21 (c) and 21 (i).

This Notice replaces the need for a water user to apply for a licence according to the provisions of the National Water Act no. 36 of 1998, provided that the water use is within limits and conditions of the General Authorisation. The Notice defines: watercourse; pollution; waste; water resource; wetland; riparian habitat; emergency situation; river management plan. The Notice specifies subjects and situations to which it does not apply; its duration and validity; the area of applicability. The Notice concerns: impending or diverting the flow, or altering the bed, banks, course and characteristics of a watercourse, and related conditions; submission of relevant documents, including risk assessment; requirements water users must comply with, including: no damaging of vegetation around watercourse area, preventing the transfer of alien species, ensuring minimal impacts on the environment, ensuring adequate erosion control measures, allowing the free movement of aquatic biota, including migratory species; rehabilitation and restoration measures; monitoring and reporting; budgetary provisions; registration; record keeping; inspection; offences.