Piloting the implementation of the Waste Discharge Charge System in the Crocodile (East) Catchment: A non-point source perspective

The Waste Discharge Charge System (WDCS) is an economic instrument in support of the management of water quality in South Africa, and is aimed at promoting waste reduction and water conservation in support of an integrated approach to managing the resource quality problems within specific catchments, accounting for both point and non-point source impacts. A Water Research Commission (WRC) pilot project was aimed at determining waste mitigation charge rates through charge distribution model developed based on the water quality threat(s) identified, and the development of a WDCS business plan and draft implementation framework for the Crocodile (East) catchment, which falls within the jurisdiction of the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency.