The City of Johannesburg says it is introducing a revised process for borehole drilling applications from the 1^st of October 2025 with new applications to be managed directly by the City’s Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) – and not the Development Planning Department following concerns raised by residents and the built environment regarding delays with the current application process.

According to the City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment & Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), Councillor Jack Sekwaila, the new process will cut unnecessary administrative and circulation steps by directing applications to the EISD which is a mandated representative of the Water Services Act (WSA), National Water Act and the National Environmental Management Act.

He further adds that key improvements include a shortened turnaround time with applications to be finalized within 14 working days and that drilling certificates will be issued to approved applicants. However, he stresses that drilling may not begin without official approval, and a drilling certificate must be visible on site.

Residents or businesses that drill without approval or a valid drilling certificate, risk enforcement action, including fines, an immediate order to stop work, and impoundment of drilling equipment.

From the 1^st of October 2025, new applications can be submitted directly to the EISD via boreholeapplications@joburg.org.za.

Applications submitted to the Department of Planning before the 1^st of October 2025 will continue under the old system until finalised (Applicants do not need to resubmit).