About us

The Ground Water Division was established in 1978. Essentially a non-profit association, it is committed to upholding and promoting professionalism in the field of groundwater among its membership. It is a body of scientists and technicians with direct or indirect involvement or interest in the optimal development of the country’s groundwater as a limited natural resource, and in the preservation of its quality. Environmental consciousness is strongly supported.

The Ground Water Division mainly focuses on Networking; Knowledge transfer and Capacity and Awareness building through a number of initiatives such as:

CPD Events (Conferences, Seminars, Courses)
Communication events (Talks) and media relations
Publications (Newsletters / Articles )
Sponsorships

The Division strives to address issues of actual, collective importance and thus not only to become a true forum but also a national speaker for groundwater.

GWD Constitution

GWD History

The idea of forming a professional society for geohydrologists in South Africa was first raised in 1977 during discussions between officials from the then Department of Water Affairs and staff at the Department of Geology, University of the Orange Free State. From the start it was thought that such a group could form part of the Geological Society of South Africa. Consultation with the Geological Society commenced in 1977, and a draft constitution was drawn up in consultation with the Society with the view of forming a specialist division of the Society.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Ground Water Division (GWD) of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) comprises 4 elected top positions (National Chairperson, National Vice‐ Chairperson, National Treasurer and National Secretariat) as well as elected Regional Chairpersons/ Representatives from the active branches of the Division. The current 6 branches are the Gauteng Branch, Central Branch* (Free State), the newly established Northern Branch (comprises the North-west and Limpopo membership), Eastern Cape Branch, KwaZulu‐Natal and the Western Cape Branch. (*The Central Branch of the Ground Water Division consists of members from the Free State, Northern Cape and North West Provinces)

See our Awards

South Africa Groundwater Lifetime Achievement Awards (GWD Medal)

The idea of forming a professional society for geohydrologists in South Africa was first raised in 1977 during discussions between officials from the then Department of Water Affairs and staff at the Department of Geology, University of the Orange Free State. From the start it was thought that such a group could form part of the Geological Society of South Africa. Consultation with the Geological Society commenced in 1977, and a draft constitution was drawn up in consultation with the Society with the view of forming a specialist division of the Society.