The Surface Water Resources Section of the DWA is the backbone of all surface water resources aspects pertaining to research, planning and development of the resource.  The Section is separated into two units namely:   Surface Water Resources Unit and Surface Water Infrastructure and Development Unit.

Projects currently under this section include:
SADC HYCOS
ZACPRO

Surface Water Resources Infrastructure and Development Unit

The department’s surface water resources development unit is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of structures such as Dams, Levees, canals weirs and pipelines etc. that may serve all  sectors of the economy.  The unit carries out studies based on national needs in order to determine areas of potential for the development of more hydraulic or water conservation structures.  The specific functions for this unit are as follows:

• Design Hydraulic structures;
• Construct and rehabilitate Hydraulic structures;
• Ensure Catchment conservation and Catchment water transfer; and
• Make economic analysis of benefits and consequences of all water development projects.

Surface Water Resources Unit

• Collect relevant data in order to determine the required Hydrometric network;
• Design hydrometric network;
• Carry out appropriate research on the effects of development on the availability of surface water;
• Create revolving fund for Hydrometric operations; and
• Plan and execute regular field monitoring programmes for hydrological observation points.