In the face of extreme weather events, including drought and floods, safeguarding water resources has never been more critical.

Added to adverse climate conditions is the challenge of delivering water to homes and businesses through ageing and poorly maintained water infrastructure. According to industry watchdog the Borehole Water Association (BWA), these factors together make the drilling of boreholes and the responsible use of groundwater an essential part of alleviating the ongoing water crises occurring across the country.

Illegally tapping into municipal water supplies puts additional pressure on already strained systems, said BWA President Derek Whitfield. The recent commencement of the drilling of boreholes in nine informal settlements in Gauteng, he noted, 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 via 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,” he added. “Responsible Borehole drilling is a legal and safe way to ensure the responsible access to and use of valuable water resources.”

Albertus Lombaard, BWA Exco member and special advisor on drilling, emphasised the importance of compliant borehole drilling in ensuring the protection of our natural aquifers and in the prevention of ground water contamination.

“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 of more trained and certified borehole contractors,” he said.

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

New look, same mission

The BWA this week heralds in a new look with its refreshed logo and brand identity, which will be revealed at the seventh edition of the 19th Biennial Groundwater Conference.

While its appearance might have had a make-over, the work and message of the association remain the same: that borehole drilling is legal and plays an important role in the management of the country’s – and entire region’s – most valuable resource.

As the industry voice for Southern Africa, the BWA is leading education on responsible and sustainable use of groundwater and this is echoed in the theme for this year’s conference: ‘Groundwater—An Interdisciplinary Science,’ which will explore all aspects of groundwater science and its linkages.

As the champion of safe and sustainable groundwater access and use, the BWA has recently 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 Groundwater Conference.

“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,” said Whitfield. “This can only elevate the professionalism of the sector.”

The 19th Biennial 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 our interconnected world. The BWA eagerly anticipates engaging in open, multidisciplinary discussions about pressing issues affecting groundwater at the conference, which will be held from 28 to 31 October in the North West.