National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998)

The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry is responsible for the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of the water resources of South Africa on a sustainable basis. These regulations will contribute to this responsibility.

Section 26(1)(c) of the Act allows for registration of all water uses including existing lawful water use in terms of section 34(2). Section 29(1)(b)(vi) also states that in the case of a general authorisation, the responsible authority may attach a condition requiring the registration of such water use.