South Africa is generally an arid country with variable rainfall and is prone to droughts. Its freshwater is supplied by 22 water source areas situated in the highest lying plains of our water catchments, where the most rainfall is received. The availability of good quality freshwater is a basic right and critical for sustaining livelihoods, wellbeing and the economy. Water resource management is crucial to ensure enough quality freshwater.
Water control officers work in teams, occasionally engaging with water quality analysts and engineers to ensure the sustainable use of water resources. They often travel to water supply areas such as dams and reservoirs, returning to an office environment to strategize water control procedures.
Water control officers require knowledge of water management and distribution systems and the legislation and regulations that govern water provision in South Africa. They will also benefit from:
Control and release the distribution of water
Record and monitor water balances and metre readings
Collect and keep records of hydrological data
Inspect and report on dam and reservoir infrastructure maintenance
B.Sc., B.Sc.(Hons), M.Sc. in Environmental Science specialising in Water Science at NWU, RU, UJ, UMP, UP and Wits
B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Environmental and Water Science at UWC
M.Sc. in Water Management at UFS and UP
B.Sc. in Hydrology and Water Resources Management at CUT
Diploma, Advanced Diploma, M.Tech in Water Science and Technology at TUT
Water control officers can also benefit from a General Certificate in Water Demand Management offered at Rand Water, accredited by the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority.
National, provincial and local government.
Water utility companies.
