The 2025 Green Drop Report shows a rise in critically failing wastewater systems across South Africa to 396, with Johannesburg's rivers contaminated by extremely high E. coli levels. Local officials and experts warn of health risks to people and animals.
The Department of Water and Sanitation's 2025 Green Drop Report indicates that only 66 of South Africa's wastewater systems achieved excellent or good standards, down from 118 previously. Of 848 municipal systems assessed, 154 were critical risk, 302 high risk, 293 medium risk, and 99 low risk. In Johannesburg, three of the city's six wastewater treatment works were disqualified due to excessive spillages.
Councillor Ralf Bittkau (DA) highlighted pollution in the Klein Jukskei River, reporting E. coli levels of 200,000 to two million particles per 100ml—far exceeding international standards of 200 per 100ml for safe recreational water. He contracted an E. coli infection eight years ago after boating on Hartbeespoort Dam. Tests by Johannesburg Water and others confirmed levels up to 52 million per 100ml in some rivers like the Kaalspruit.
Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala stated the entity is focusing on stabilizing the disqualified plants at Ennerdale, Olifantsvlei, and Northern Works. Causes included capacity constraints, theft, vandalism, and procurement delays. The Section 79 committee noted 318 spill days over three months from equipment failure and other issues.
Water management expert Professor Anja du Plessis described waterways as dumping grounds for waste, linking pollution to poor maintenance and raising costs for water treatment. Dr Ferrial Adam of WaterCAN called for accountability amid ongoing failures.
