Water Quality
latest news & developments
Tiny bees, big job: tracking pesticide pollution in Africa’s water
Researchers at the University of Pretoria propose using honey bees as low-cost bioindicators to detect pesticide pollution in sub-Saharan Africa's water, addressing critical gaps…
Pollution threatens vital waterway
From stormwater and sewage to degraded wetlands, the Klip River’s decline highlights the urgent need for infrastructure repairs and ecological restoration, scientists warn
Investing in urban nature pays off
The Jukskei River catchment project highlights how green infrastructure can cut flood damage, manage invasive species and improve urban health
Mpumalanga municipality slapped with record R650m penalty for years of raw sewage spills
In a landmark ruling, the Emalahleni local municipality was ordered to fund major repairs after pleading guilty to persistent sewage pollution that contaminated rivers feeding…
Delays in producing water Drop reports spark outrage
Water and sanitation department is under fire from water experts for contract process that has held up the production of the water quality reports
Restoring Wemmer Pan’s glory
A diverse community of rowing enthusiasts and local residents who volunteer their time is working tirelessly to clean up the historic pan
Invasive weeds cleared from Vaal River through community-government collaboration
This was achieved through a partnership involving the Vaal community, Rand Water, Rhodes University’s Centre for Biological Control, the water and sanitation department and the…
Experts call for mindset shift and infrastructure upgrades to tackle water crisis
It’s time to move beyond the planning and strategy phases and begin implementation
SA water woes must not be ‘exaggerated’, says Mchunu
The minister is adamant the country is not experiencing a crisis, despite about half the water in our systems being unsafe for drinking
Political meddling and corruption behind eThekwini water woes
A lack of necessary skills has also contributed to the metro’s water and sanitation crisis
Water boards battle to pay suppliers because municipalities don’t pay the boards
Sedibeng Water took almost five years to pay its creditors, Lepelle Northern Water took over a year, Amatola Water took 283 days and Mhlathuze Water 160 days
South Africa will miss UN’s clean water targets
Mismanagement, pollution and a water deficit exacerbated by climate change are to blame
Tendele’s mine pollutes their air and water, residents claim
The mining company says it complies with both the Air Quality Control Act and the Health and Safety Act, as well as conducting extensive research before starting operations
Why we need more women to work in water research
Investing more in women in science — particularly in the water and sanitation sectors — is imperative if we are to meet the sustainable development goals by 2030
Ministry should take over deteriorating wastewater treatment plants
The decline in the maintenance of wastewater treatment plants in most towns is alarming and cannot be allowed to deteriorate further