HEALTH AND SANITATION
27
Legal considerations when
using greywater
This is an overview of the regulatory and legislative framework in
South Africa, particularly in the context of the regulation of the
use of greywater.
By Water Research Commission
This section of the research discusses the rel-
evant national legislation to provide the context
for such regulation. The national legislation pro-
vides the framework of law that is to be applied
throughout the country.
Municipalities have the constitutional competence
to enact laws in respect of water and sanitation
services, limited to potable water supply systems, and
domestic wastewater and sewage disposal systems
(Part B of Schedule 4 and Part B of Schedule 5 of the
constitution).
National legislative framework overview
• Revision of General Authorisations in terms
of section 39: GN 665 of 6 September 2013:
Government Gazette No. 36820
• Regulations Relating to Compulsory National
Standards and Measures to Conserve Water
(GNR.509 of 8 June 2001)
• National Sanitation Policy (GN 70 of 12 February
2016: Government Gazette No 39688)
• National Environmental Health Norms and Standards
for Premises and Acceptable Monitoring Standards
for Environmental Health Practitioners (GN 1229 of
24 December 2015: Government Gazette No. 39561)
The most extensive content provided on the
management and use of greywater is contained in the
following regulations:
Greywater is defined as a wastewater generated through domestic activities and premises, including washing, bathing, and food preparation, but
does not contain sewage.
September 2019 Volume 25 I Number 7
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