WESSA activists have for many years been trying to prevent the pollution of the Hartbeespoort Dam and the rivers that feed it.
Sewage from 4 dysfunctional municipal treatment works spilling down the Crocodile, Swartspruit and Magalies Rivers have caused significant eutrophication of the dam waters, leading to extensive hyacinth growth (and at times other invasive aquatic weeds), which often covers the dam in excess of 30% of the dam surface area. This in turn has significant detrimental impacts on the dam’s ecology.
WESSA staff and volunteers, along with those of The Magaliesberg Biosphere, National Association of Conservancies/Stewardship of SA, Birdlife Harties and civic structures, have been pressing for appropriate and lasting action. They have recently taken to conducting independent water quality testing to demonstrate the pollution load, that requires intervention from provincial and national government.
To support our efforts in stemming the sewerage pollution and/or get involved in the clean-ups and invasive plant control actions, please contact John Wesson by emailing jwesson@wessanorth.co.za.