A new government notice requires all unregistered water users to register by approximately 23 July 2026. Missing the deadline is not just a paperwork problem – it carries criminal sanctions, including imprisonment of up to five years.
Who needs to register?
You need to register if you:
- Take water directly from a river, stream or dam (water abstraction)
- Operate a commercial borehole
- Run large-scale commercial forestry that reduces stream flow
You do not need to register under this notice if your water use involves only storage, irrigation with wastewater or waste disposal.
What if I’m already registered?
Check your registration is still accurate and up to date. If your farm has changed ownership, changed its name, added processing or manufacturing activities, or if your contact details have changed, your registration may need to be updated.
What does it cost?
Registration is free before 23 July 2026. After the deadline, a fee of R300 per property applies – and criminal liability kicks in.
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An important caution
Registration does not mean your water use is automatically legal. Once registered, authorities may review and verify your water use and could determine you are using more than you are entitled to. If you have been using water without registration for a long time, seek legal advice before registering.
The bigger picture
This notice is part of broader proposed water law reforms. The National Water Amendment Bill proposes a “use it or lose it” rule for water licences, a ban on private water trading and expanded government powers to reallocate water between users and sectors.
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What to do now
- Confirm whether you are registered and whether your registration is current.
- Register all commercial boreholes, even if you belong to a water user association or irrigation board.
- Act before 23 July 2026 to avoid penalties.
- If in doubt, consult a water law specialist.
This is a summary of a detailed legal article by Garyn Rapson and Gwen Mathebula of Webber Wentzel. Read the full article for comprehensive legal guidance here.
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Register now or risk water law penalties
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