Mandatory Water Use Registration Drive Now Underway

The Department of Water and Sanitation (“DWS”) has launched a mandatory 90-day registration drive requiring all agricultural and commercial water users to register and/or confirm registration of their water use(s) before the end of July 2026.  

This initiative forms part of the Department’s efforts to improve water resource management and ensure that all water use is accurately recorded on the national Water Authorisation and Registration Management System (WARMS). 

Who Must Register? 

The registration requirement applies to all agricultural and commercial water users who extract or store water from:  

1. Boreholes; and/or 
2. Rivers; and/or 
3. Streams; and/or 
4. Dams; and/or 
5. Other water sources. 

The above applies where such water is used for purposes other than ordinary domestic use. 

All agricultural and commercial water users, such as farmers, agricultural enterprises, and businesses, must determine whether they are already registered and, if not, register immediately.

Why Is Registration Important? 

Registration enables the Department to: 

1. Maintain an accurate record of water users; and 
2. Improve the management and allocation of  water resources; and 
3. Support future water planning and licensing processes; and 
4. Ensure compliance with applicable water legislation. 

Failure to register may affect current and future water use authorisations and regulatory compliance. Unregistered water users may encounter difficulties obtaining water use licences or other approvals in the future and may be exposed to enforcement action by the Department for non-compliance with applicable water legislation. 

How to Register  

Water users can access further information regarding the registration drive at:  

1. The Department of Water and Sanitation WARMS Portal 
2. Click here for Registration forms
3. For registration-related enquiries, members may contact the Department  : wa************@*****ov.za  

Should you require assistance with the registration process or wish to determine whether your water use activities are subject to registration, please get in touch with our offices via email : ad***@*******co.za or give us a call on 033 266 0170  

Our team will be happy to assist and provide guidance where required. 

Agricultural and commercial water users are strongly encouraged not to delay. Given the limited registration period and the potential importance of registration for ongoing water use activities, all affected agricultural and commercial water users should ensure that they are compliant before the end of July 2026. 

If you are uncertain whether your water use requires registration, it is advisable to seek clarification from the Department or contact our offices as soon as possible.