Groundwater has been placed under the spotlight recently with the drought causing many to become interested in groundwater as possible alternative. This has not always been positive for the profession, given that individuals are increasingly falling victim to unscientific methods and fear mongering in the social and mass media domains. Nonetheless, this is an excellent time to accentuate hydrogeology as a profession and to inform about the special skill set of the scientific profession.

With 2018 already well under way, the GWD has been very active throughout its regions. We are happy with the decision to host the 2019 biennial Conference and Exhibition in the Eastern Cape, especially following a very successful 2017 event in Cape Town. We are building stronger relationships with other associations and societies, and we are putting in more effort to be visible in the branches.

We thank you for your continued support and look forward to the next year.
Matthys A. Dippenaar, PhD PrSciNat
Chair: Ground Water Division of the Geological Society of South Africa