The governance of water resources management in a water stressed country such as South Africa has had to contend with the legacy of skewed distribution of water that characterised the period prior to 1994. The emergence of a democratic system has allowed for the reform of the water sector in relation to policy, organisational structure, water rights and regulatory functions including the allocation of water resources, drinking water quality and public health, quality of effluent discharges and protection of the water environment. Important legislation that has been passed includes the National Water Act, No. 36 of 1998 and the Water Services Act, No.108 of 1997. The vision, mission and values of the Department has come to strongly embody the concept of people-centred service delivery, based on the strong underpinnings of transparency, respect and excellence.