Rand Water | Integrated Annual Report 2025
INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPO
COMPLIANCE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION Rand Water upholds the environmental legislation and relevant guidelines supported by effective governance structures. Providing the overall environmental legislative compliance annually, specifically focusing on strategic and operational Environmental permits, and licences application, compliance monitoring and auditing to permits acquired and implemented during the 2024/25 financial year. The National Environmental Management Act, No. 107 of 1998, National Water Act, No. 38 of 1998 and National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of 1999, require authorisation as per relevant listed activities. These activities pertain to the abstraction of raw water and certain infrastructure development projects being implemented within the Republic of South Africa. During the 2024/25 financial year, Rand Water’s Environmental Authorisation and Compliance section acquired 25 environmental authorisations, permits, or licences, as follows:
Table 23: Environmental Authorisations obtained in 2024/25 Financial Year LICENCE NAME
NUMBER OF LICENCES
Water use approval (General Authorisation)
3
Environmental Authorisation (Amendments)
2 2
Heritage Permit
Renewed Authorisations
18
The organisation continues to monitor and enforce compliance with the conditions of these licences during the implementation of the projects and other relevant activities, this ensures legal compliance and environmental stewardship. Environmental Management System: ISO 140001 For the 2024/25 financial year, Rand Water successfully completed its ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 recertification audit. We were recommended for recertification after addressing eight (8) minor non-conformances identified, all of which have since been closed. Our organisation has proudly maintained ISO 14001 certification for over 22 years, demonstrating a longstanding and unwavering commitment to environmental management and sustainability. This internationally recognised standard outlines the requirements for an effective Environmental Management System (EMS). WATER-SAVINGS INITIATIVES In the 2024/25 financial year, Rand Water through Water Wise launched a groundbreaking initiative titled the “Drop by Drop Pilot Project” in Soweto, aimed at confronting the water wastage challenge. This innovative programme focuses on the early detection of water leaks, retrofitting, and implementing data-driven monitoring systems across selected households. Rand Water formed a synergy with a range of government and private stakeholders. Through this project, participating households will be equipped with smart water-saving technologies and tools to identify leaks and inefficient water use. Additionally, the integration of real-time data gathering will empower residents to manage and reduce their water consumption effectively. The following are some of the project benefits: • Reduced water loss in distribution networks. • Enhanced understanding of consumption patterns at a household level. • Improved planning and decision-making for future infrastructure upgrades and water-saving campaigns. This pilot represents a strategic step forward in promoting sustainable water use, increasing community awareness, and ensuring long-term water security in urban areas.
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Rand Water | Integrated Annual Report 2025
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