The City of Johannesburg’s Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) has introduced a new borehole consent application process, set to take effect on 1 October 2025. The process aims to strengthen responsible groundwater management, protect the environment and public infrastructure, and ensure fair access to water resources across the City.
During a recent stakeholder engagement session, the EISD outlined the revised system to property developers, town planners, the Borehole Association of South Africa, the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), and other key stakeholders. Specialists guided participants through the application steps, compliance with municipal by-laws and national regulations, and potential risks of groundwater extraction, such as infrastructure damage, sinkholes, subsidence, water quality issues, and contamination-related health hazards.
The new system streamlines administration by directing all applications directly to the EISD, which, as the City’s designated Water Services Authority, is mandated to implement the Water Services Act, the National Water Act, and the National Environmental Management Act. It will also monitor compliance, safeguard water quality, and protect public infrastructure.
Key improvements include:
- A reduced turnaround time, with applications finalised within 14 working days.
- The issuing of drilling certificates to approved applicants, which must be kept on-site and presented to inspectors or JMPD officers during drilling.
Daniel Masemola, the City’s Director of Water Management and Biodiversity, emphasised the importance of compliance: “Applicants must submit all required documents and fees to ensure efficient processing. Our revised process has been benchmarked against best practices in other municipalities.”
While stakeholders welcomed the improvements, some raised concerns about non-compliance, illegal drilling, and the affordability of fees. Applications submitted to the Department of Planning before 1 October 2025 will continue under the current system and will not need to be resubmitted.
Residents or businesses drilling without approval or a valid drilling certificate risk enforcement action, including fines, immediate stoppage of work, and the impoundment of equipment.
From 01 October 2025, all borehole application submissions and related administrative queries must be directed to boreholeapplications@joburg.org.za or call 011 082 7970.
Residents can obtain additional information from the City’s website on https://joburg.org.za/about_/government/Pages/Borehole-applications.aspx
Residents can report any suspicious drilling activity to (011) 790 1172/ (011) 490 1630.
Written by Dudu Lushaba