Overview

Overview
Environment and Infrastructure Service Department Water Management and Biodiversity Directorate (WM&B) The Directorate's functions span across improving and protecting water courses, managing water conservation demand, reducing water losses, exploring alternative water sources, and building a water-sensitive city. We are committed to the adequate protection and security of biological diversity, control of alien and invasive species, and ensuring the ecological functioning of ecosystems. We also focus on the equitable provision of recreational facilities on open spaces and the integration of these spaces into the urban environment. This comprehensive approach allows us to effectively manage and protect our natural resources and open spaces. Planning, monitoring and managing water within the city through: 1. Water Services Regulation and Policy Development WM&B is involved in the development and amendment of various policies and bylaws related to water services, sanitation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater exploration. The goal is to ensure that these regulations are up-to-date and in line with the city's water management objectives. This function also includes the issuance of water use licenses and permits, which are necessary for certain activities that involve the use of water services. This function involves monitoring and ensuring compliance with water demand, safety plans, quality, and sanitation regulations. This is done through regular inspections and audits. Furthermore, there is a strong focus on collaboration with stakeholders such as Joburg Water, Rand Water, and institutions of higher learning to promote sustainable water management practices. 2. Catchment Management and Water Quality WM&B ensures the protection and management of catchment areas to maintain their ecological integrity. This includes the development and implementation of plans for catchment management, as well as the establishment of guidelines for instream water quality and surface water monitoring. Apart from surface water resources, catchment areas play an enabling role for groundwater recharge to aquifers. Groundwater recharge by natural or artificial means can cause changes in groundwater quality. These changes depend on other factors, including the chemistry of the source water, land use, soil and sediment characteristics, and the groundwater flow dynamics. Good natural recharge areas are those wherein good quality surface water is able to percolate through the sediments and rocks to the saturated zone, which contains groundwater. WM&B also oversees water quality and ensures compliance with safety and health standards. This involves regular testing of water sources and the implementation of measures to address any identified issues. This function involves the development of strategies for water quality management. These strategies aim to ensure the long-term availability and safety of water resources. There is also a focus on capacity building and awareness raising to ensure that all stakeholders understand the importance of water quality and their role in maintaining it. Stakeholder engagement in the form of forums is also a key part of this function, as it ensures accountability and promotes sustainable practices.

Environment and Infrastructure Service Department

Water Management and Biodiversity Directorate (WM&B)

The Directorate's functions span across improving and protecting water courses, managing water conservation demand, reducing water losses, exploring alternative water sources, and building a water-sensitive city. We are committed to the adequate protection and security of biological diversity, control of alien and invasive species, and ensuring the ecological functioning of ecosystems. We also focus on the equitable provision of recreational facilities on open spaces and the integration of these spaces into the urban environment. This comprehensive approach allows us to effectively manage and protect our natural resources and open spaces.

Planning, monitoring and managing water within the city through:

1. Water Services Regulation and Policy Development

WM&B is involved in the development and amendment of various policies and bylaws related to water services, sanitation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater exploration. The goal is to ensure that these regulations are up-to-date and in line with the city's water management objectives. This function also includes the issuance of water use licenses and permits, which are necessary for certain activities that involve the use of water services. This function involves monitoring and ensuring compliance with water demand, safety plans, quality, and sanitation regulations. This is done through regular inspections and audits. Furthermore, there is a strong focus on collaboration with stakeholders such as Joburg Water, Rand Water, and institutions of higher learning to promote sustainable water management practices.

2. Catchment Management and Water Quality

WM&B ensures the protection and management of catchment areas to maintain their ecological integrity. This includes the development and implementation of plans for catchment management, as well as the establishment of guidelines for instream water quality and surface water monitoring.

Apart from surface water resources, catchment areas play an enabling role for groundwater recharge to aquifers. Groundwater recharge by natural or artificial means can cause changes in groundwater quality. These changes depend on other factors, including the chemistry of the source water, land use, soil and sediment characteristics, and the groundwater flow dynamics. Good natural recharge areas are those wherein good quality surface water is able to percolate through the sediments and rocks to the saturated zone, which contains groundwater.

WM&B also oversees water quality and ensures compliance with safety and health standards. This involves regular testing of water sources and the implementation of measures to address any identified issues. This function involves the development of strategies for water quality management. These strategies aim to ensure the long-term availability and safety of water resources. There is also a focus on capacity building and awareness raising to ensure that all stakeholders understand the importance of water quality and their role in maintaining it. Stakeholder engagement in the form of forums is also a key part of this function, as it ensures accountability and promotes sustainable practices.