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Sewage and pollution threaten Pretoria’s water supply

Ekurhuleni and its water utility face criminal charges

The polluted Rietvlei River winds through Ekurhuleni before entering Rietvlei Dam in Tshwane. Photos: Seth Thorne

Because of sewage and heavy industrial pollution in the Rietvlei River in Ekurhuleni, a water treatment plant for residents in the east of Tshwane has not been operational for a year.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has laid criminal charges against Ekurhuleni and its municipal wastewater treatment company.
A water management expert describes the sewage crisis as “an existential threat”.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve in south-east Pretoria is a precious spot for Tshwane families, birders and weekend cyclists. With highveld grassland and wetland, it is home to blesbok, zebra and hundreds of bird species.
The Rietvlei Dam was built in 1934 alongside a water…

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  1. Fun South African Fact: The meandering 850km road through Cape Winelands is the world’s longest wine route.