WATCH: Repeated pollution sets back efforts to restore deteriorating Boksburg Lake
Concerned residents said the repeated pollution has destroyed what was once a vibrant public facility, a space where families used to camp and have braai, go fishing and do everything, but now there is nothing left.
The latest acid mine drainage decant has turned sections of Boksburg Lake a reddish-brown colour, with municipal offices visible in the background.
A year after a similar incident affected Boksburg Lake, another acid mine drainage (AMD) decant has once again discoloured the water, dealing a further setback to ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the struggling public recreational facility.
Once one of Boksburg’s most popular leisure destinations, the lake has faced environmental pressures linked to mine water contamination and industrial, commercial and household pollution for years.
The repeated incidents continue to raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of restoration efforts.
The latest event has again been linked to an AMD decant from the Central Basin near the old Blue Sky mining shaft upstream of the lake. While authorities believe the current incident may subside within days, concerns remain about its impact on the lake’s recovery.
Residents frustrated by decline
Residents living near the lake say they are tired of watching the facility deteriorate.
Gary Evans, who lives on Hospital Road and frequently visits the lake, said the repeated pollution has destroyed what was once a vibrant community space.
“This is totally wrong. Even the animals, including the ducks and fish, are all dying. The government must be proactive and enforce bylaws,” he said.
Evans said the lake was once a place where families camped, fished and spent weekends outdoors.
“It used to be beautiful. We used to camp and braai here, go fishing and do everything, but now there is nothing left. It’s dead.”
He added that private sector involvement could help restore and maintain the facility.
A close-up view of the polluted water at Boksburg Lake shows the extent of the reddish-brown discolouration caused by elevated iron levels associated with mine-affected water.
Another resident who operates a small business near the lake outlet on Commissioner Street said the lake has long been affected by mine water and alleged industrial pollution from upstream sources.
“The inspectors are just inspectors because of the certificate … they don’t follow up,” the resident said.
Calls for accountability
Ward 32 councillor Marius de Vos described the latest pollution event as unacceptable.
Rust-coloured water fills Boksburg Lake following the latest acid mine drainage decant linked to the Central Basin upstream of the recreational facility.
“This environmental disaster is completely unacceptable and highlights a serious failure to identify, monitor and stop the source of pollution before it reaches the lake,” he said.
De Vos confirmed the matter has been referred to the Environmental Resources and Waste Management Oversight Committee for urgent investigation.
“Those responsible must be identified and held accountable.”
Resident Gary Evans points towards the discoloured waters of Boksburg Lake, expressing frustration over the recurring pollution incidents affecting the popular public space.
Treatment plant under pressure
The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), which operates AMD treatment plants on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation, confirmed that the Central Basin decant has affected water quality in Boksburg Lake.
Rust-coloured water laps against the shoreline of Boksburg Lake, highlighting the environmental impact of the recent decant event.
Evidence of the latest decant was first observed on May 24 when discoloured water became visible in the canal upstream of the lake.
According to TCTA, the Central Basin treatment plant has been operating at sustained high levels, averaging about 70 megalitres per day since December 2025. Following optimisation measures, the plant can now treat up to 77 megalitres daily.
Despite these efforts, underground water levels have not declined significantly.
“What we have seen over the years is that the rate of water ingress into the mining void has increased,” said Goitseone Kgwele, operations manager for AMD Plants.
Kgwele said inflows can reach up to 84 megalitres per day during periods of heavy rainfall, exceeding the plant’s original design assumptions.
Long-term challenges remain
Officials believe mine water may be reaching the surface through alternative underground pathways, including abandoned shafts, historical mine workings and disturbed ground. The Council for Geoscience is assisting in identifying potential ingress points.
Rust-coloured water laps against the shoreline of Boksburg Lake, highlighting the environmental impact of the recent decant event.
TCTA estimates the current decant could subside within three to five days if the plant continues operating at maximum capacity.
The authority attributed the water discolouration to elevated iron levels commonly associated with mine-affected water. While no fish deaths have been officially confirmed, officials acknowledge the potential risk to aquatic ecosystems and human health through direct contact or ingestion.
Long-term interventions include expanding backup pumping capacity, upgrading ageing infrastructure and improving maintenance programmes to reduce the likelihood of future incidents.
The City of Ekurhuleni had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
Discoloured water stretches across Boksburg Lake after another acid mine drainage incident, raising concerns about the lake’s ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
Fanie joined Boksburg Advertiser over 14 years ago – covering a wide range of issues under the sun. He rose up the ranks from mid-level to senior journalist & became a news-editor. He studied journalism at Damelin & went on to complete his Diploma in Media Practices course at BMH – focusing on print and online media. He loves acting as the eyes and ears of the public.
