The Department is reviewing the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998), the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No 108 of 1997) and the Water Research Act, 1971 (Act No 34 of 1971). While the National Water Act provides a legal framework for the progressive realisation of the right to access to sufficient water, the act is under review to ensure that there is equity in the allocation of water, to improve water resources management and to streamline the regulatory processes. The Water Services Act is being reviewed to improve provision of water services to ensure alignment with the provisions of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000) and the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003). The Water Research Act is under review to improve the governance of the Strategic Plan: 2013/14 to 2017/18 Water Research Commission and to align the act with all other applicable legislation.