Why this course matters
Water-related regulatory requirements can have a major influence on project design and programme. Uncertainty often arises when teams identify possible water uses too late, misunderstand the difference between a General Authorisation (GA) and a Water Use Licence Application (WULA), or treat desktop buffers as a substitute for project-specific assessment. This course provides a practical framework for early screening and informed planning.
Participants learn how to examine a project in relation to potential Section 21 water uses, watercourses, activities and likely impacts. The course explains how authorisation pathways are considered, what information may be needed and why the appropriate route depends on the project context and applicable regulatory instruments. Particular attention is given to early-stage questions that affect feasibility, specialist work, design refinement, submission readiness and realistic scheduling.
What you will be able to do
- Identify applicable Section 21 water uses for a project
- Distinguish between General Authorisations and full WULAs
- Understand regulatory triggers related to watercourses and buffers
- Conduct early-stage risk screening for water-related impacts
- Anticipate typical timelines and approval challenges
Who should attend
Relevant to environmental practitioners, project managers, engineers, developers, planners and consultants who need to recognise water-use authorisation risks and coordinate the next steps. It is particularly useful for professionals involved in feasibility, due diligence, design development or environmental approvals.
What the course covers
- Mapping project activities to potential Section 21 water uses
- Understanding the practical distinction between GA and WULA pathways
- Interpreting watercourse context, regulated areas and buffer information
- Recognising when specialist delineation or risk assessment may be necessary
- Planning information, design and stakeholder inputs for an application
- Managing dependencies, submission quality and programme expectations
A practical learning experience
The course uses a screening mindset: start with the project, locate its interactions with water resources, identify uncertainties and decide what must be verified. Examples help participants separate early warning indicators from final regulatory conclusions and communicate risks without creating false certainty.
Take the learning back to work
Participants gain a clearer way to raise the right questions early and integrate water requirements into project planning. This can reduce late redesign, unrealistic programmes and incomplete submissions. The course provides professional-development guidance and should be applied alongside current legislation, applicable notices and project-specific advice.
Course details
Date: 9 February 2027 | Delivery: Online via Microsoft Teams | Fee: R 2 970
Please confirm current programme details, availability and booking terms when registering. Course content is educational and does not replace project-specific professional or legal advice.
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