Groundwater Surveying and Water Well Drilling Services in Tanzania: A Guide to Regulations

Kilimokwanza.org

Tanzania possesses abundant freshwater resources, yet faces the challenge of ensuring equitable access to clean and safe water for its growing population. Groundwater, a critical source for domestic, agricultural, and industrial needs, requires careful management and sustainable utilization. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory framework governing groundwater surveying and water well drilling services in Tanzania. It addresses key aspects such as responsible agencies, permits and licenses, drilling regulations, water quality monitoring, consumer protection, and the role of the private sector. It also explores the challenges and opportunities in groundwater management, including the impact of climate change and the importance of community engagement.

Tanzania holds substantial groundwater reserves, with an estimated 30,000 million cubic meters of total renewable groundwater¹. However, access to these resources is not uniform, and there are widening inequalities among users². Sustainable groundwater management requires a multifaceted approach, including conjunctive use, where groundwater is utilized in conjunction with surface water resources, to ensure long-term water security².

Responsible Government Agencies

The regulatory framework for water resources in Tanzania involves various government bodies with distinct roles and responsibilities. The Ministry of Water is the primary authority responsible for water resource management, including the development and enforcement of regulations related to groundwater exploration and drilling¹. Within the Ministry, the Water Resources Division plays a crucial role in overseeing groundwater resources and regulating drilling activities³. This division has issued guidelines outlining the basic requirements for groundwater exploration and drilling, emphasizing the importance of proper well design, construction, and licensing procedures³.

Basin Water Boards are responsible for managing water resources within their respective basins. These boards play a critical role in issuing permits for water use, including groundwater abstraction, and ensuring compliance with regulations. For instance, the Ruvuma and Southern Coast Basin Water Board is responsible for issuing permits for drilling boreholes deeper than 15 meters in the Mtwara, Ruvuma, and Lindi regions⁴.

The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) is responsible for the economic and technical regulation of water supply and sanitation services. EWURA’s mandate includes licensing water service providers, setting tariffs, and ensuring compliance with service standards⁵. EWURA also plays a role in regulating private borehole services, including registration of operators and ensuring water quality⁶.

Agency	Role
Ministry of Water	Overall responsibility for water resource management, including groundwater. Develops and enforces regulations related to groundwater exploration and drilling.
Water Resources Division (within the Ministry of Water)	Oversees groundwater resources and regulates drilling activities. Issues guidelines for groundwater exploration and drilling.
Basin Water Boards	Manage water resources within their respective basins. Issue permits for water use, including groundwater abstraction. Ensure compliance with regulations.
Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA)	Responsible for the economic and technical regulation of water supply and sanitation services. Licenses water service providers, sets tariffs, and ensures compliance with service standards. Regulates private borehole services, including registration of operators and ensuring water quality.
Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA)	Constructs, supervises, and regulates water supply services across rural areas. Plans and regulates sanitation services in rural areas in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Community Owned Water Supply Organizations (COWSO)	Operate and maintain rural water schemes. Regulated by the Ministry of Water through RUWASA.

Permits and Licenses

Companies operating in the groundwater surveying and water well drilling sector in Tanzania require various permits and licenses to ensure legal compliance and responsible practices.

Groundwater Surveying Permits

Before conducting groundwater surveying, companies must obtain a Groundwater Exploration License from the Ministry of Water¹. This license authorizes companies to undertake activities such as geophysical surveys and hydrogeological investigations to evaluate groundwater potential and determine suitable locations for drilling. The Ministry of Water has issued guidelines on procedures for groundwater exploration, providing a framework for conducting these assessments³.

Water Well Drilling Permits

To drill a water well, companies need to obtain a Groundwater Drilling License from the Ministry of Water⁸. This license is categorized based on the depth of the well:

Class	Depth Capacity
Class one	More than 100 meters
Class two	Up to 100 meters

The annual license fee for a Groundwater Drilling License is specified in the Groundwater Regulations, 2013⁸.

In addition to the drilling license, a Groundwater Permit or Water Use Permit is required from the relevant Basin Water Board before commencing drilling⁸. This permit ensures that the proposed well complies with water abstraction regulations and does not negatively impact water resources. The application process for a Water Use Permit typically involves submitting a hydrogeological survey report and a completed application form to the Basin Water Board⁹.

Private Borehole Operator Registration

Companies providing private borehole services in licensed areas must register with EWURA⁶. The registration process involves submitting an application with technical details of the borehole, water quality test results, and a Water Use Permit⁶. A non-refundable application fee of TZS 100,000 per borehole is required for registration⁶. The Water Supply and Sanitation (Private Boreholes Services) Rules, 2013, outline the requirements and procedures for registration, ensuring that operators meet the necessary standards for water quality and service provision⁶. These rules also include transitional provisions for borehole operators who were already in operation before the enactment of the 2013 rules, ensuring a smooth transition to the new regulatory framework⁶.

Regulations Regarding the Drilling Process

Tanzania has specific regulations governing the water well drilling process to ensure environmental protection and sustainable groundwater use.

Drilling Permits

Before commencing drilling, a drilling permit must be obtained from the relevant Basin Water Board⁴. The permit application process may involve submitting a hydrogeological survey report and other relevant documentation. The validity period of a drilling permit may vary depending on the issuing authority. For instance, the Ruvuma Basin Water Board issues permits that are valid for three months⁴.

Well Design and Construction

Proper well design and construction are essential to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the well, as well as to prevent contamination of the groundwater resource. Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Water and Livestock Development outline the requirements for well design and construction, including specifications for casing materials and installation procedures³.

Environmental Considerations

While there are no explicit depth restrictions mentioned in the research, the classification of Groundwater Drilling Licenses suggests some level of control based on drilling depth⁸. This implies that deeper wells may be subject to stricter regulations or require additional approvals.

Although not explicitly mandated for all water well drilling projects, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are encouraged and may be required for projects with potentially significant environmental impacts¹⁰. The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) provides guidelines for conducting EIAs, which involve screening projects, identifying potential impacts, and proposing mitigation measures¹¹.

Coastal Considerations

In coastal areas, special attention must be given to the risk of saltwater intrusion into groundwater aquifers². Appropriate well design and construction techniques are crucial to prevent saltwater contamination and ensure the long-term sustainability of coastal groundwater resources.

Supervision and Monitoring

Drilling operations must be supervised by a qualified hydrogeologist or hydrogeology technician to ensure compliance with technical standards and best practices⁴. This supervision helps minimize risks and ensures the proper construction and completion of the well.

Well Completion Report

After drilling, a comprehensive Well Completion Report must be submitted to the client, the Basin Water Board, and the Water Resources Division¹². This report includes details such as geological logs, well design, pumping test results, water quality analysis, and recommendations for well operation and maintenance.

Restoration of the Environment

After completion of drilling activities, the site must be restored to its original state¹². Any well that is dry or has poor water quality must be abandoned according to established procedures. This includes properly backfilling the well to prevent groundwater contamination and potential hazards¹².

Water Quality Monitoring and Regulation

Water quality monitoring is crucial to ensure the safety and suitability of groundwater for human consumption and other uses.

Water Quality Testing

Water well owners are required to conduct water quality tests before using the water for human consumption¹³. These tests must be conducted by a relevant authority or an accredited laboratory and should comply with the standards set by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards¹³.

Water Quality Monitoring Regulations

The Water Resources Management (Water Well Quality Monitoring) Regulations, 2018, outline the framework for monitoring water quality in wells¹³. These regulations specify key parameters to be tested, the frequency of testing, and the responsibility for bearing the costs of testing and monitoring.

Water Quality Certification

Upon successful completion of water quality tests, a certificate is issued by the relevant authority, confirming that the water is fit for human consumption¹³. This certificate must be displayed at the premises for inspection.

Key Water Quality Parameters

Water quality testing typically includes an assessment of various parameters, including:

• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): A measure of the dissolved inorganic and organic substances in water. High TDS levels can affect the taste and palatability of water and may indicate the presence of contaminants¹².
• Fluoride: Excessive fluoride concentrations in drinking water can pose health risks, particularly to children¹⁴.
• Microbial Contamination: Testing for bacteria and other microorganisms is essential to ensure that the water is free from harmful pathogens.

Consumer Protection Laws

Tanzania has consumer protection laws in place to safeguard the interests of customers using water well drilling services.

Water Supply and Sanitation (Private Boreholes Services) Rules, 2013

These rules, established by EWURA, regulate the operation of private borehole services, including registration of operators, water quality standards, and pricing⁶. The rules aim to ensure that consumers receive clean and safe water at a fair price.

Complaints and Dispute Resolution

EWURA has a dedicated consumer complaints handling procedure to address grievances related to water services, including those provided by private borehole operators¹⁵. Consumers can file complaints regarding issues such as unlawful disconnection, improper billing, poor water quality, or overcharging.

Private Sector Participation

The private sector plays a significant role in groundwater development in Tanzania. Private companies are involved in various aspects of the sector, including groundwater surveying, well drilling, pump installation, and water supply services³. The involvement of the private sector can bring expertise, innovation, and efficiency to groundwater development, contributing to increased access to water resources¹⁷.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the existing regulatory framework, there are challenges in ensuring effective groundwater management in Tanzania. These include:

• Limited Resources: Adequate financial and human resources are crucial for effective monitoring and enforcement of regulations¹⁸.
• Lack of Awareness: Raising awareness among communities and stakeholders about groundwater regulations and sustainable practices is essential for their effective implementation³.
• Capacity Gaps: Building the capacity of government agencies, Basin Water Boards, and drilling contractors is crucial to ensure compliance with regulations and promote best practices¹⁷.

However, there are also opportunities for improvement:

• Strengthening Institutional Capacity: Enhancing the capacity of regulatory bodies to monitor and enforce regulations, including through training and technology adoption, can improve the effectiveness of the framework.
• Promoting Technology Adoption: Encouraging the use of advanced drilling techniques, water quality monitoring tools, and data management systems can enhance efficiency and sustainability in groundwater development.
• Enhancing Community Participation: Involving communities in groundwater management decisions and promoting local ownership can contribute to sustainable and equitable water resource use.

Climate Change and Groundwater Resources

Climate change poses a significant threat to groundwater resources in Tanzania. Changes in rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, and sea-level rise can affect groundwater recharge, availability, and quality. It is crucial to integrate climate change considerations into groundwater management strategies, including through vulnerability assessments, adaptation planning, and promoting water conservation measures.

Capacity Building and Industry Development

Capacity building for drilling contractors is essential to improve industry standards and ensure compliance with regulations. Training programs can focus on technical skills, business management, and environmental awareness³.

Community Engagement

Public awareness and participation are crucial for sustainable groundwater management. Engaging communities in decision-making processes, promoting water conservation practices, and fostering a sense of ownership can contribute to the long-term protection and equitable use of groundwater resources².

Sustainable Groundwater Management

Sustainable groundwater management requires a holistic approach that considers environmental, social, and economic factors. This includes:

Pathway	Groundwater Usage	Occurring in Tanzania?	Impact on Water Table
1	Small-scale, self-supply for multiple uses	Yes	Minimal: groundwater levels fall less than 2 meters over the entire study area.
2	Small-scale private supply for smallholder intensified agriculture	This pathway is not evident in Tanzania yet, although it is promoted in policy.	Moderate: groundwater levels decline as much as 4 meters over approximately 40 % of the study area.
3	Medium-scale municipal supply for multiple uses	Yes	Moderate: groundwater levels decline less than 3 meters over the entire study area.
4	Medium-scale private supply for commercial agriculture	No	Moderate to substantial: groundwater levels fall up to 4 meters in approximately 40 % of the study area.
5	Medium-scale private supply for livestock husbandry	This pathway is not yet evident in Tanzania but is suggested in some policy approaches.	Moderate to substantial: groundwater levels fall as much as 4 meters in approximately 40 % of the study area.
6	Large-scale private supply for commercial agriculture	No	Substantial to very substantial: groundwater levels fall 4 to 6 meters in approximately half of the study area.

Conclusion

The regulatory framework governing groundwater surveying and water well drilling services in Tanzania is designed to ensure sustainable groundwater resource management, protect the environment, and safeguard consumer interests. By adhering to these regulations, companies operating in this sector can contribute to the provision of safe and reliable water resources for the people of Tanzania.

The various aspects of this framework, including permits, drilling regulations, water quality monitoring, and consumer protection, are interconnected and contribute to a comprehensive approach to groundwater management. Effective implementation of these regulations requires collaboration among government agencies, Basin Water Boards, private sector operators, and local communities.

Addressing the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities in groundwater management, such as strengthening institutional capacity, promoting technology adoption, and enhancing community participation, are crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and equitable use of this vital resource. Furthermore, integrating climate change considerations into groundwater management strategies is essential to adapt to the changing environmental conditions and ensure water security for future generations.

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