The Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS) is the leading groundwater research group in Africa on aspects related to fractured rock aquifers, industrial and mining contamination, groundwater governance, and groundwater resources.

The IGS water research laboratory has obtained ISO 17025 accreditation from the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) for all methods used in the IGS. ISO 17025 is complementary to the generic quality management system standard ISO 9001. This accreditation indicates that they adhere to all the conditions and requirements as stipulated by this body via the international standard.

The latest accreditation demonstrates that the IGS laboratory has technical competency in the scope of both microbiological and chemical analysis and the operation of a quality management system. 

Accreditation by SANAS promotes the global acceptance of results generated in the laboratory, as results provided by an accredited laboratory will also stand in court. With this accreditation, the IGS laboratory is setting itself apart from its competitors and will continue with its contract research on water-related topics in the mining and industrial sectors.

The institute conducts contract research on a wide variety of water-related topics. Of special interest is its contribution to the mining and industrial sectors in terms of water management, minimisation of pollution, as well as understanding the nature and behaviour of South Africa's aquifers. The institute provides a complete service to these industries through field investigations, the development of specialised field equipment, a well-equipped commercial and water research laboratory, and a number of computer models for the management and operation of the aquifers, protecting them from pollution.