Dam Compliance
By Lerato Mpembe
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has urged unregistered dam owners nationwide to register their dams to comply with legal safety standards. This initiative, led by Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, aligns with the National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998) and the Dam Safety Regulations (R 139 of 24 February 2012).
The primary goal of this registration process is to ensure dam safety, thereby mitigating risks to the public, property, and water resources. Wally Ramokopa, Head of the DWS’s Dam Safety Regulation Specialist Unit, emphasized that owners of dams classified as having a safety risk must verify their registration status and submit the necessary forms to the department.
According to Ramokopa, a dam is considered a safety risk if it has a storage capacity exceeding 50,000 cubic meters (50 megalitres) of water and a wall height of more than five meters, measured from the downstream base. He stated, “Dam owners are required to update their details if already registered and submit registration and classification forms if not yet registered. Forms can be downloaded from the department’s website at www.dws.gov.za/dso or collected from the nearest departmental offices.”
The DWS mandates that dam owners conduct safety inspections at least every five years. These inspections must be performed by an Approved Professional Person (APP). During these evaluations, the APP conducts a flood frequency analysis to assess the dam’s capacity to handle various flood events. This analysis helps the department anticipate potential overtopping or structural damage during significant floods. The APPs provide reports detailing the flood handling capability and structural behavior of dams, which the department reviews to ensure compliance.
Ramokopa warned that failure to implement the APPs’ recommendations, especially when findings indicate that the dam may not be safe and poses a risk of failure or loss of life, will result in directives compelling dam owners to comply. He stressed, “Dam owners are bound by law to comply and implement recommendations as made by an APP after inspections are conducted. To prevent the loss of life and safeguard the environment, we will not even blink twice to ensure that dam owners do what is required of them by law.”
To raise awareness about the importance of dam registration, the department is rolling out a mass multimedia campaign. The campaign aims to ensure that all dams with safety risks meet compliance standards, thereby reducing potential harm to people, property, and the environment. Additionally, the campaign seeks to maintain an accurate database of dam ownership and safety compliance for effective regulation and risk management.
In related news, the DWS is collaborating with the Gauteng provincial government to encourage municipalities across the province to implement higher levels of water restrictions due to severe strain on water systems. Deputy President Paul Mashatile, chairperson of the Cabinet’s Water Task Team, highlighted the need for municipalities to move from level 1 to level 2 and level 3 water restrictions to alleviate the pressure on water resources. Level 2 restrictions include measures like banning the watering of gardens and cleaning of driveways with hosepipes, while level 3 restrictions further reduce water supply and place additional limitations on water usage.
The DWS continues to monitor dam levels across the country. According to the department’s weekly state of dams report, approximately 210 dams are assessed to ensure water security and safety.
For dam owners seeking to register their dams, the DWS provides resources and guidance through its Dam Safety Office. The department emphasizes the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to uphold dam safety standards and protect downstream communities.
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