The argument in this paper is that improved understanding of science-policy integration, where physical bases of natural science is combined with practice in managing water resource challenges, becomes critical in translating scientific knowledge into effective and sustainability solutions linked to groundwater resource protection. Such hypothesis should be attested at locally relevant scale where water resources reside and where water utilization takes place. This paper provides a practical case-study of how science-policy integration can directly impacts groundwater resource protection practice from a local, and national perspective using strategies of groundwater resources directed measures.
A combination of literature surveys, and desktop record review methods were used for the purpose of data collection from published literature and publicly accessible national databases of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). Collected data were analysed using document analysis, descriptive statistics, and case study analysis methods. Based on the analysis, three types of science-policy nexus theoretical models exist in practice, namely, 1) science-policy integration, 2) policy-science integration, and 3) mixed integration. From a national perspective, the analysis showed that South Africa is able to practically apply science-policy nexus in policy implementation practice for water resources protection, and that such practice depicts a mixed integration model of the nexus. Case study analysis of the Schoonspruit-Koekemoerspruit River Catchment provided insight on how localized operationalization of groundwater resource directed measures facilitates sustained groundwater resources protection for water availability and sustainable utilization. This study provides an exemplary for collaborations between researchers and/or scientists and policy makers to ensure that science research is answering policy-relevant questions and that results from scientific work are readily available for policy implementation. In addition, there is adequate evidence to indicate that science-policy nexus can be designed and prioritized to support sustainable development agenda on groundwater resilience, and visibility at various levels.