"The DIVISION aims to serve the scientific sector of the groundwater community in Southern Africa, for the advancement of the science and technology of groundwater and to promote the efficient use of groundwater as well as professionalism throughout the groundwater industry."

Branches

The National Branch (Gauteng)

The Ground Water Division was established in 1978 by members of the ground water community of South Africa and the Directorate of Geohydrology, Department of Water Affairs. The National branch has an overall administrative function which comprises the maintenance of memberships, the upkeep and support of communication / information channels, financial and general assistance to branches as well as overall financial reporting to the GSSA. 

The Western Cape Branch

One of the most established and active branches launched under the first chairman, Peter Rosewarne.

The branch continued its momentum ever since and under the respective chairmanship of Jan Rasmussen, Gordon Maclear, John Weaver and Roger Parsons a number of initiatives such as  "Introduction to Groundwater" short courses, regular late afternoon seminars, bi-monthly groundwater talks and one day conferences, followed.

The establishment of the Western Cape Branch website also feature as one of the highlights in the development of this branch. 

The immediate past chairman of the Western Cape branch of the Groundwater Division is Mr Julian Conrad. The current chair (2009-), Mr Jaco Nel (University of the Western Cape) is also the main coordinator for the planned 2009 Groundwater Conference to be hosted in Somerset West in November 2009.

Website: www.gwdwc.co.za

The Central Branch (Bloemfontein)

The Central Branch, established shortly after the Ground Water 2005 Conference (Gauteng), became the driver and main coordinator for the Ground Water 2007 Conference that was to be hosted in Bloemfontein from 8-10 October 2007.

The Central Branch of the Groundwater Division consists of members from the Free State, Northern Cape and North West Provinces. 

Under the visionary leadership of Mr Cedric Nelson, the immediate past chair from 2006-2008, this branch grew substantially following the very successful 2005 Conference. The Conference theme: “An Africa where groundwater is valued and sustainably managed by empowered stakeholders” drew 254 delegates not only from South Africa but also Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. This conference was also instrumental to ensure a higher level of awareness with the former Minister of Water Affairs & Forestry, Me Lindiwe Hendricks attending.

The central branch are presently (2009-) chaired by Mr Gawie van Dyk (DWAF Northern Cape), and Dr Jennifer Pretorius (formerly from the Institute for Groundwater Studies, now a private consultant with Golder Associates Africa (Pty) Ltd) as secretary.

The Eastern Cape Branch

This Branch is the youngest of the Division and originated from the Eastern Cape Ground Water Forum. This forum consisted of all interest groups in the region (consultants, drillers, academics, scientists etc.) and had regular meetings with DWAF as well as a yearly function for all its members. They operated without a budget as all members assumed ownership of the forum.

Under the 2 year Chairmanship of Mr Ettiene Mouton, the GW Forum joined the GWD formally in 2007. In 2008, Mr Hanco Roux was elected as new Branch Chair with Mrs Sharon Swarts as secretary.