Chapter 3 of the National Water Act, 1998 makes provision for the protection of water resources. As part of protecting the water resources, the Minister is required to determine water resource classes and Resource Quality Objectives. The water source areas will therefore be protected by ensuring that they are prioritized for protection when determining the water resource classes and resource quality objectives. Once the class of a water resource and the resource quality objectives have been determined they are binding on all authorities and institutions when exercising any power or performing any duty under the National Water Act, 1998. The Department has regulatory measures in place, which include monthly water quality monitoring programmes in order to ensure that the levels of protection are maintained and any transgressors are dealt with accordingly.
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