The legal drilling of boreholes and the responsible use of groundwater is an essential part of alleviating the ongoing water crises occurring across South Africa, industry watchdog the Borehole Water Association (BWA) says.

The recent commencement of the drilling of boreholes in nine informal settlements in Gauteng recognises the need to simultaneously provide water to growing communities, especially areas where infrastructure development has not reached these communities or has not been maintained for decades.

“Accessing water through properly constructed boreholes, which could be supported by new storage tanks, reticulation and standpipes, means that communities have a safe and sustainable source of water and no longer need to rely on illegal connections,” says BWA president Derek Whitfield.

Responsible borehole drilling is a legal and safe way to ensure the responsible access to and use of valuable water resources, he notes, adding that illegally tapping into municipal water supplies is placing additional pressure on the already strained systems.

Further, compliant borehole drilling ensures the protection of natural aquifers and prevents ground water contamination, adds BWA exco member and special adviser on drilling Albertus Lombaard.

“More than 80% of South Africa’s towns depend on groundwater as their primary source of safe potable water. This situation emphasises the need in our country for more trained and certified borehole contractors,” he continues.

“Borehole drilling is a critical skill in the context of South Africa’s water situation, providing responsible access to our groundwater resources.”

As the industry voice for Southern Africa, the BWA is leading education on responsible and sustainable access and use of groundwater, and has developed a series of training programmes under a Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) initiative.

Assisted by the Institute of Groundwater Studies, which has put together quality course content for borehole contractors, pump installers and test contractors, the BWA will deliver the training and certify those who complete the courses as members of the association.

DWS will present on the introduction of the training programmes at the Biennial Groundwater Conference, to be held in the North West province from October 28 to 30.

“From being an association that to date has acted primarily as a disseminator of information, the BWA is now able to offer more value to its members by providing training and accreditation. This can only elevate the professionalism of the sector,” says Whitfield.

The BWA will also unveil a refreshed logo and brand identity at the Groundwater Conference, themed ‘Groundwater—An Interdisciplinary Science’, which will explore all aspects of groundwater science and its links.

The Groundwater Conference, of which BWA is one of the sponsors, brings together experts, researchers, and professionals from the industry to discuss and share insights on groundwater's crucial role in an interconnected world.