Groundwater becomes a preferred or conjunctive source of water which needs to be managed to reshape the future of this country. 

For this reason, South Africa, through DWA, will be hosting the International Conference on Groundwater under the theme “Our Source of Security in an uncertain future.” The three-day conference will take place at the CSIR International Conference Centre from 19 to 21 September 2011.

This international conference presents a tremendous opportunity for transboundary dialogue and collaboration. Speakers will include international and local experts in hydrogeology.

All participants who would like to be part of the event are requested to register their names not later than 31 July 2011 to take advantage of the preferential registration rate.

The 2011 Groundwater conference is aimed at groundwater scientists, managers and planners, hydrologists and geotechnical engineers. It will also appeal to water professionals, environmental scientists, journalists, economists, public-sector officials and others working at the frontline of service delivery, national resource management and governance.

Commenting on the conference, the Chairman of the organising committee, Dr Shafick Adams, said the programme includes pre-conference workshops, technical papers presentations, poster sessions, invited technical sessions, IAH Council and Committee meetings, exhibitions and local tours of technical interest.

According to Dr Adams, groundwater still remains a hugely untapped source of water. “Effective management will not only rely on the improvement of our scientific understanding but also on long term political commitment, well functioning institutions and supporting legislation. We will have a healthy mix of local and international papers that will enable us to share knowledge on how to manage our groundwater resources better.”

The conference is organised by the Ground Water Division (GWD) of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) in association with the IAH.

A workshop and a course will take place at the CSIR International Convention Centre during the weekend prior to the conference. The South African Department of Water Affairs (DWA) as the custodian of groundwater and surface water resources is expected to host the Water Use License Workshop on 17 September 2011.

The aims are to bring participants up to date on the different water uses that can be applied for, the method of application, advice on who can apply for Water Use License Applications (WULA’s) and/or general authorisations. DWA’s “Project Letsema” will be explained and achievements also reported.

On 18 September there will be a course on Artificial Groundwater Recharge. In this course they will be looking at the process whereby surface water is transferred underground to be stored in an aquifer. The most common methods used involve injecting water into boreholes and transferring water into spreading basins where it infiltrates the sub-surface. Underground water storage is an efficient way to store water because it is not vulnerable to evaporation losses and it is relatively safe from contamination.

The course will be conducted by Dr Ricky Murray who has been conducting research and implementing Artificial Recharge projects since 1997. He was responsible for developing and rolling out DWA’s Artificial Recharge strategy.

These workshops are open to delegates regardless of their attendance at the conference itself. The cost of attendance of the workshops is R1 000 and will include lunch and refreshments. Prospective participants should complete and return the designated registration form. For more information about the conference please visit www.gwd.org.za.