Failing sewerage systems, rapid urbanisation and industrial pollution are turning Gauteng’s rivers into an environmental and public health crisis. Major waterways like the Jukskei, Klip and Hennops carry untreated sewage and contaminants into larger systems such as the Vaal River. A recent report highlights unsafe levels of bacteria in many water sources across the province.
In Alexandra, Johannesburg, along the banks of the Jukskei River, resident Petrus wades through murky water to collect recyclables. “The water smells very bad,” he says. “Luckily, there are always things to recycle coming down the river, so I try to collect. It gets dangerous after it rains as the water gets rough.”
Gauteng’s rivers, including the Jukskei, Klip, Hennops and parts of the Vaal system, now transport untreated sewage, industrial waste, solid waste, heavy metals and other contaminants through populated areas. This pollution stems from failing wastewater treatment works, ageing infrastructure, rapid urbanisation, illegal dumping, industrial runoff and mining activities. The result includes high levels of E. coli and harmful algal blooms.
A December 2025 report by civil society group WaterCAN tested 59 water sources in Gauteng, finding 39 unsafe for human consumption due to chemical and microbiological contamination. Among 23 river samples and five dam samples, 21 rivers and all dams showed unsafe coliform bacteria levels, while 18 rivers and all dams exceeded E. coli limits.
Despite the risks, locals use these rivers for washing, fishing, religious practices and recreation. WaterCAN urges authorities to investigate pollution sources, conduct regular monitoring, supply emergency clean water and launch awareness campaigns.
Water management expert Anthony Turton notes that South Africa’s 1994 National Water Act aims to protect rivers and rehabilitate degraded ones, but this has not been implemented. He describes a “systemic failure in the water sector, most notably in the four metros,” with the Vaal River deteriorating from eutrophication and rapid spread of water lettuce.
Environmental activist Tarryn Johnston of the Hennops River Revival calls the situation “disastrous because they cannot manage the rate of sewage coming in, leading to rivers of disease.” Efforts to engage municipalities have been challenging.
Responsibility falls mainly to local governments, with provincial and national support. Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson Wisane Mavasa reports four underperforming municipalities—Merafong City, Rand West City, Mogale City and Lesedi—below a 31% threshold, leading to criminal proceedings. The Goudkoppies plant in Johannesburg continues discharging raw effluent into the Klip River, prompting a criminal docket.
A Waste Mitigation Charge, based on the polluter-pays principle, is being piloted in catchments like the Jukskei and Hennops, with plans to expand to the Vaal system. Gauteng MEC for the Environment Ewan Botha emphasises coordinated action across government levels, including provincial support through clean-up initiatives.
