Groundwater Resource Directed Measures (GRDM) methodology update, software enhancements and training

The recently completed Groundwater Resource Directed Measures (GRDM) project aimed to improve methodologies and software for groundwater protection and management in South Africa. Initially developed in 2007 and updated in 2013, the GRDM methodology and software have faced challenges in implementation, including issues with data integration, groundwater surface water interactions, and usability. The 2024 revision addresses these gaps by updating the methodology for classification, Reserve determination, and resource quality objectives. Enhancements include a more user-friendly software interface, improved recharge and baseflow assessments, and refined groundwater-dependent population estimations. Training programs and workshops were conducted as part of the project, funded by the Water Research Commission, to ensure effective adoption by the Department of Water and Sanitation officials and stakeholders. Recommendations emphasise the need for updated geological data, national database improvements, and sustained training initiatives for GRDM users.