Water is a scarce natural resource that is unevenly distributed in South Africa. While it is a right of all persons to access water, water use has historically been unevenly used.

The National Water Act (1998) aims to ensure the protection of water, the sustainable use of water and the equitable redistribution of water. These aims can be achieved through an integrated management approach.

The National Water Act provided the basis to develop a national water strategy to ensure sustainable use, protection, and equitable use of water.

Permissible water use has been identified, to ensure that water is used sustainable.

Types of water use include: where the National Water Act permits the use, where the water use has been previously authorised, or where water use has been licensed through a Water Use License or a General Authorisation.