To amend the National Water Act, 1998, so as to insert and amend certain definitions; to ensure equitable water allocation and optimise the use of water in support of the guiding principles of the National Water Act; to prohibit undesirable consequences of private water trading; to further provide for the purpose of the Act; to provide for the review period of the national water resource strategy to be increased to 10 years; to provide for the periodic review of the determination of a class of a water resource and water resource quality objectives; to provide for the periodic review of the Reserve; to further provide for the protection of water source areas; to further provide for the transfer of water use authorisations; to provide for the reallocation of water; to further provide for the making of regulations; to repeal the right to declare an existing lawful water use; to provide for additional controlled activities; to further regulate the governance matters of water user associations and their membership thereof; to provide for the transformation of water user associations; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

B1-2026
Introduction
21-01-2026
Portfolio Committee
National Assembly
Select Committee
National Council of Provinces
Sent for Assent
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Introduced by: Minister of Water and Sanitation

Previous Versions
TITLE BILL NO. DATE
National Water Amendment Bill (B1-2026) 2026-01-22