HES4810
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO. 831851
DUE DATE: 5 SEPTEMBER 2025
, HES4810 Assignment 3 (2025)
Impact Mitigation and Management
Question 1: Water Quality in South Africa
1.1 Legislation and specific sections governing water quality
In South Africa, the National Water Act 36 of 1998 (NWA) is the primary legislation
governing water resources. Section 19 of the Act imposes a duty on anyone responsible
for activities that pollute or may pollute a water resource to take reasonable measures
to prevent, minimise and remedy pollution. Section 20 deals with emergency incidents
such as hazardous substance spillages and requires immediate reporting and remedial
action (Republic of South Africa, 1998a). Section 21 further outlines specific “water
uses” such as wastewater discharge that require authorisation.
The National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA) complements
this by introducing a duty of care (section 28), obligating any person causing significant
environmental harm, including water pollution, to take reasonable steps to prevent it
(Republic of South Africa, 1998b). In addition, the Water Services Act 108 of 1997
provides for access to basic water supply and sanitation services and requires
municipalities to uphold national water standards (Republic of South Africa, 1997). The
SANS 241:2015 standards set the permissible limits for drinking water quality in South
Africa (SABS, 2015).
1.2 Ten development activities causing water pollution or deterioration
Several developmental activities have been linked to poor water quality in South Africa:
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO. 831851
DUE DATE: 5 SEPTEMBER 2025
, HES4810 Assignment 3 (2025)
Impact Mitigation and Management
Question 1: Water Quality in South Africa
1.1 Legislation and specific sections governing water quality
In South Africa, the National Water Act 36 of 1998 (NWA) is the primary legislation
governing water resources. Section 19 of the Act imposes a duty on anyone responsible
for activities that pollute or may pollute a water resource to take reasonable measures
to prevent, minimise and remedy pollution. Section 20 deals with emergency incidents
such as hazardous substance spillages and requires immediate reporting and remedial
action (Republic of South Africa, 1998a). Section 21 further outlines specific “water
uses” such as wastewater discharge that require authorisation.
The National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA) complements
this by introducing a duty of care (section 28), obligating any person causing significant
environmental harm, including water pollution, to take reasonable steps to prevent it
(Republic of South Africa, 1998b). In addition, the Water Services Act 108 of 1997
provides for access to basic water supply and sanitation services and requires
municipalities to uphold national water standards (Republic of South Africa, 1997). The
SANS 241:2015 standards set the permissible limits for drinking water quality in South
Africa (SABS, 2015).
1.2 Ten development activities causing water pollution or deterioration
Several developmental activities have been linked to poor water quality in South Africa:
