Reserve

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National Water Act Definition

Reserve means the quantity and quality of water required -

a) to satisfy basic human needs by securing a basic water supply, as prescribed under the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No 108 of 1997), for people who are now or who will, in the reasonably near future, be -

- relying upon;

- taking water from; or

- being supplied from,

the relevant water resource; and

b) to protect aquatic ecosystems in order to secure ecologically sustainable development and use the relevant water resource.

[Source: National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998)].

Description

The quantity and quality of water required to supply basic needs of people to be supplied with water from that resource, and to protect aquatic ecosystems in order to secure ecologically sustainable development and use of water resources.  This is an unique water resource management requirement of South African legislation.

Why is the Reserve important?

The Minister of Water and Sanitation is required to determine the Reserve for all or part of any significant water resource before any water use can be licensed.