Groundwater recharge is an important component of hydrogeological characterisation as it has a major influence on groundwater quantity (especially if aquifer transmissivity and storage is favourable) and groundwater quality.  Across the Olifants-Doorn WMA groundwater recharge ranges from 0mm/a to 245 mm/a. The highest groundwater recharge occurs in the Upper Olifants sub-area, especially in the Winterhoek mountain area.  Significant recharge also occurs in the Koue Bokkeveld, eastern Doring, and eastern Sandveld sub-areas. For the remaining areas groundwater recharge is quite limited.

The basic human needs Reserve provides for the essential needs of individuals served by the water resource in question and includes water for drinking, food preparation and for personal hygiene.  A life-line amount of 25 litres per person per day was used.  A summary of the groundwater quantity aspects in terms of BHN and EWR per quaternary is provided in Table 7.1.