Groundwater Source Evaluation in Jozini Local Municipality

Client Name:
uMngeni-uThukela Water

Consulting Engineers:
SDM-FLUX JV

Project Summary:
AGES was appointed by Near Surface to conduct a detailed groundwater source evaluation in Ward 1 of the Jozini Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. The goal was to assess the viability, yield, and water quality of existing boreholes to support sustainable groundwater use for domestic and livestock purposes. The project involved a comprehensive hydrogeological study, aquifer testing, water quality analysis, and community engagement. The outcome confirmed that groundwater resources in the area are not over-exploited, and tailored recommendations were provided for each borehole, including sustainable abstraction rates and necessary water treatment measures.

Key Services Provided:

• Groundwater potential investigation and data review (NGA & GRIP)
• Hydro-census within a 3.5 km radius (borehole infrastructure, usage, pollution sources)
• Aquifer testing to determine sustainable yields
• Water sampling and SANS 241-compliant laboratory analysis
• Spring survey and development potential assessment
• Hydrogeological reporting with recommendations
• Project management and client liaison

Problem and Solution

Initial Problem:
The client needed a reliable assessment of existing boreholes to determine their viability for sustainable groundwater abstraction. Many boreholes were underutilised, non-functional, or had unknown water quality issues, posing risks to community water supply and livestock.

Solution Provided:
A thorough evaluation was conducted including hydrocensus, aquifer testing, and water quality analysis. The study identified sustainable yields, highlighted water quality risks (e.g., E. coli, high iron, turbidity), and provided tailored recommendations for each borehole—including pump installation depths, abstraction rates, and water treatment requirements. The results confirmed that groundwater resources are sustainable and not over-exploited, enabling informed decision-making for future water supply planning.

Conclusions & Recommendations:
Our groundwater source evaluation in Jozini Ward 1 found that the area’s fractured aquifers provided sustainable yields, typically between 0.5–2.0 L/s, with an average of 0.48 L/s across all boreholes. The aquifer system was confirmed to be underutilized, as the estimated annual recharge potential of 7.89 million m³ significantly exceeded the current abstraction of approximately 181,332 m³. While water quality required treatment for some boreholes to meet potable standards, the overall resource was deemed viable. The study concluded by providing tailored recommendations for each borehole to guide sustainable and safe long-term groundwater use for the community.