Page 26 - Waterfall_Issue 3_March_2022

Waterfall News

The application process on
Waterfall
Applications to sink a residential
borehole go through the Residents’
Association (RA). Upon enquiry, the
RA will provide residents with the
necessary documentation for this
process. Residents must also send an
application to the Waterfall Common
Services Company (WCSC) to obtain
further landowner approval.

City application
Once the required Waterfall approvals requirement – essentially to keep Licensed Water Use – related
have been received, the next step is track of consumption where the to high risk activities in context
to apply to the City of Johannesburg geohydrologist can estimate the of the Catchment Area;
for permission to sink a borehole. impact on ground water resources/ Existing Lawful Use – related to water
The documentation needed for wetlands. This is necessary to uses before the commencement
this application process is available ensure that the landowner’s water of the National Water Act 1998.
through WCSC upon request. license is not suspended. Licenses differ for every commercial
property – the following website
Compliance COMMERCIAL may be useful: https://geoss.co.za/
Once the go-ahead is given, it is Get a license getting-the-water-act-together/
important for residents to comply Commercial applications must be
with the processes and stipulated submitted to the Regional Office of the PROS AND CONS OF
rules regarding boreholes for the Department of Water and Sanitation. BOREHOLES
residential estates on Waterfall. This e-WULAAS is the Electronic Water Use Pros
includes ensuring that contractors License Application and Authorisation • They alleviate pressure on
adhere to these rules throughout the System; you can apply for your municipalities to provide sustainable
sinking process. These rules can be commercial borehole license here. and quality municipal services.
obtained from the RA upon request. http://www.dwa.gov.za/ewulaasprod/ • Long-term water cost savings.
In addition, before the sinking process There is a license processing fee, and • Access to pure and natural
begins, you need to notify the RA an assessment will be done as defined underground water at an ideal pressure.
and your neighbours, as the drilling by the National Water Act. Third party • Circumvent water price increases.
will increase the noise levels. consultants can be hired to facilitate
the process. Once given the go ahead, Cons
Borehole now operational the WCSC will need to be contacted. • Expensive to install.
Once the borehole is operational, • You may not find water.
please notify the WCSC and the RA Be clear on your use of water • Overexploitation can lead to a decrease
that the borehole has been sunk As commercial entities have a larger in water delivery per borehole.
and is active. It is also a requirement impact on groundwater resources, the • The quality of your borehole
for residents using boreholes to Department of Water and Sanitation water must be tested regularly
submit water consumption records requires different applications: to ensure that it is safe to drink
every six months to the Estate General Authorisation – related and to use for other needs.
Management Company. This is a to low risk activities in context • Boreholes need to be
Department of Water and Sanitation of the Catchment Area; adequately covered.

Extra water-saving tips
• Catching water – keep a bucket in the shower • Consider investing in sanitaryware that is
to catch excess water, which can then be used specifically designed to save water.
to flush toilets or water the garden. • Institute a quick shower rule. No more baths.
• Manage your water flow – avoid turning on a tap • Harvest your rainwater in either surface or
full blast when washing hands or brushing teeth. underground tanks. Add a small water filter with
The lower the flow, the less water wastage. UV treatment. You will have a great potable water
back-up when experiencing water supply breaks.

24 Waterfall Issue 3 2022