This work is intended primarily to reflect the law dealing with water resource management and the provision of water services in South Africa. The law governing water in South Africa was always regarded as a specialised field practised by a small group of lawyers. However, the political and social reform during the last decade of the 20th century, the water-related problems experienced and the prominence given to fundamental human rights and environment-related matters have significantly increased the need for this knowledge by others. South Africa is in the process of developing and implementing a new framework governing water resource management and the provision of water services. This complex and dynamic framework aims to manage absolute water scarcity with significant participation by all interested and affected persons.

The work reflects the framework governing water and the legal position as at 30 November 2004.

• Foundation of the Water Law
• Constitutional requirements
• Framework for resource management and provision of services
• Water resource management
• Entitlements and related matters
• Regulating entitlements as water uses
• Transfer and trading of entitlements to water
• Water use charges
• Resource management organisations
• Water tribunal to hear appeals and applications
• Catchment management agencies to manage water on a regional basis
• Provision of potable water and sanitation services

• Lawyers, including attorneys, advocates and legal advisors
• Officials of the custodian of the water resource
• Officials of organisations developing the water resources
• Officials of regulators
• Officials of public and private water services providers
• Persons and communities affected by water-related activities and decisions
• Persons and bodies interested in water, such as conservation, environmental and suppliers
• Consultants and researchers; including water resource management and waste professionals
• Experts in international water law as well as other related fields.