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Groundwater

Groundwater is water that exists beneath the Earth's surface in saturated zones within soil pores and rock fractures, forming aquifers that can be tapped for human use. It represents one of the planet's largest freshwater resources and plays a critical role in water supply, agriculture, industry and ecosystem health. Groundwater is recharged naturally through precipitation and surface water infiltration, though recharge rates vary widely depending on geology, climate and land use. Extraction typically occurs through boreholes, wells and springs, with yields determined by aquifer characteristics such as permeability, storage capacity and depth. In water-scarce regions, including much of southern Africa, groundwater serves as a vital buffer during droughts and a strategic alternative to surface water sources such as dams and rivers. Over-extraction, contamination from industrial and agricultural activities, and inadequate management pose significant risks to groundwater sustainability. Monitoring, regulation and conjunctive use—integrating groundwater with surface water systems—are essential for long-term security. Advances in exploration technology, including geophysical surveys and remote sensing, have improved the identification and assessment of aquifer resources. Groundwater development is increasingly prioritised in infrastructure planning, particularly where surface water availability is constrained or unreliable. Its strategic importance has grown as climate variability intensifies and demand from urban, agricultural and mining sectors rises.

Groundwater Updates


The Council for Geoscience Reinforces Its Drilling Capacity
The Council for Geoscience Reinforces Its Drilling Capacity
20th May 2026

The Council for Geoscience (CGS) expanded its strategic scientific asset base through the acquisition of a diamond core drill rig named “Green Mamba”, which symbolises strength, accuracy, and... 


CLEARING INVASIVE PLANTS 
The clearing of invasive plants is a cost-effective way to free up billions of litres of water in Cape Town’s catchment areas
Cape Town progresses scheme to diversify water supply
8th May 2026 By: Keabetswe Shilakwe

The City of Cape Town is advancing its New Water Programme (NWP) to reduce dependence on rain-fed dams, having allocated R492-million of its 2025/26 budget to the programme. The NWP targets the... 


An image of Wemmershoek Dam
Water projects progress, amid ‘frighteningly’ low dam levels
13th March 2026

Data indicates that dam levels are “frighteningly low” and daily water use is “relentlessly” high, the City of Cape Town (CoCT) shared in a media briefing held on February 23, providing insight... 


An image of damaged water infrastructure
Firm outlines steps towards infrastructure renewal
13th March 2026 By: Trent Roebeck

Securing South Africa’s water future requires disciplined implementation, diversified supply and stronger financial governance, says financial services provider Investec Sustainable Solutions... 


UN calls for reset as world enters  ‘water bankruptcy’ era
6th February 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

The world has entered what the United Nations (UN) calls ‘water bankruptcy’, a state in which more water is withdrawn than climate and hydrology can provide and the impact is irreversible. Many... 


Image of hand under water drip from tap
UN calls for reset as world enters era of global water bankruptcy
21st January 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

The world has entered an era of global water bankruptcy, as many societies have overspent their yearly renewable water ‘income’ from rivers, soils and snowpack, and have depleted long-term... 


Image of Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina
Emergency relief funds committed to assist Knysna to alleviate water challenges
20th January 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) plans to avail an emergency relief allocation of R20-million from reprioritised water services infrastructure grants to Knysna municipality, together... 


Water security key to economic stability, reflects Rand Water chairperson
2nd December 2025 By: Natasha Odendaal

Sustainable water management is not just an environmental concern, but an economic, developmental and moral imperative, with water security inseparable from climate resilience, economic stability... 


Partnerships strengthen water services in Northern Cape mining municipalities
28th November 2025 By: Natasha Odendaal

The Municipal Capability and Partnership Programme (MCPP) has transformed water service delivery in the municipalities where South African mining group Kumba Iron Ore operates. The MCPP was... 


Legal borehole drilling is a key mitigator of South Africa’s water crisis
28th October 2025 By: Natasha Odendaal

The legal drilling of boreholes and the responsible use of groundwater is an essential part of alleviating the ongoing water crises occurring across South Africa, industry watchdog the Borehole... 


A grou of student stood at a borehole well with a JoJo tank and pumping system
Models can optimise ‘silent hero’
17th October 2025 By: Halima Frost

New research about groundwater management models for smarter drought planning has been announced by tertiary education institution Nelson Mandela University (NMU), which notes that its... 


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pqt: 0.065s - ct: 0.146s - 218pq - 2rq
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