National Water Policy Review.

This South African National Water Policy Review provides the key policy positions to address oversight and gaps in the current water policy, with specific emphasis on addressing water equity and redress. It has as its main focus the principle that water is shared on an equitable basis, so that the needs of those without access to water in their daily lives are met, the productive use of water in South Africa's economy is encouraged, and the environment is protected. This Policy will indicate the way forward in legal reform of the water sector and provides positions to support current and future national actions or imperatives to address some of the most pressing issues in the water sector. It provides mechanisms to support the national strategic objectives and imperatives outlined in the second edition of National Water Resource Strategy (NWRS2). It does not replace earlier water policy, but rather provides amendments to address omissions or gaps in these original policies, while reaffirming key water principles in the country. The policy positions in earlier water policies, which are not recommended for amendment in this Document, thus remain valid. The policy positions contained in this Document were concluded in consultation with the public and stakeholders.
There are currently four policy documents that underpin the legislation administered by the Minister: White Paper on Water Supply and Sanitation (1994), White Paper on a National Water Policy for South Africa (1997), White Paper on Basic Household Sanitation (2001) and the Strategic Framework for Water Services (2003). Since the promulgation of these policy documents, and based on several years of implementation of policy, a number of challenges and unintended interpretations have been identified that require a policy review, and consequent legislative amendment. Also the management of the entire water value chain will be reshaped. It is recommended that the Minister be accorded the mandate to develop a National Water Strategy that deals with both water resources management and water supply and sanitation services, and that a key part of this proposed policy includes the development of an infrastructure investment strategy for both water resources and water supply and sanitation services infrastructure. This Policy Review will be used to inform a revised National Water Bill, which will bring the National Water Act (NWA) and the Water Services Act into one Act, as was originally intended.
The main body of the Policy review concentrates on equitable Water resources, which have to be managed in each catchment to ensure that the demands of all users are met sustainability, efficiently and equitably, as mandated by the NWA. Consumptive and productive use of water interacts with the water resource primarily at the points of abstraction from and discharge/return flow to the resource. Main issues of protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of water resources, as required by the NWA are specified. As for water use policy positions are laid down for authorised water use, water trading between authorised water users, social and economic equity in the reallocation of water, a multiple water-use approach and a participatory planning approach, access to basic water supply and free supply for certain households.
Roles and responsibilities of water institutions are outlined. Institutions involved are the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Water Boards, Catchment Management Agencies, Water User Associations, Irrigation Boards, Water Services Authorities, and Water Services Providers. The functions and powers of these institutions are reconsidered. Economic regulation (basically a water charge system) will be applied throughout the water value chain. To avoid any conflict of interest, real or perceived, water use tariffs will be determine annually by DWS, in consultation with National Treasury. Regional Water Utilities will be established. The functions of the Regional Water Utility will be to plan, build, operate, support and maintain Regional Bulk Infrastructure.