Ermelo faces urgent Day Zero water shortage warning
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Dr Jack Bloom has called for urgent action after assessing pollution and water supply challenges in Ermelo.
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Dr Jack Bloom has warned that urgent action is needed to avert a possible “Day Zero” water shortage in Ermelo.
Pollution puts further pressure on water security
Bloom visited Ermelo yesterday to assess sources of pollution affecting the Vaal River, which originates in the area.
He said severe pollution of rivers and dams, rampant water leaks and the strong El Niño effect, which is likely to reduce rainfall in the coming months, are placing additional pressure on the area’s water security.
Treatment works struggling with demand
Bloom visited the Ermelo Waste Water Treatment Works, which is unable to handle the volume of effluent from the expanding population and continues to discharge partially treated effluent into rivers entering the Vaal River catchment.
RELATED: Previous report on Ermelo’s water crisis
The treatment works is being upgraded at a cost of R800m, increasing its capacity from six megalitres a day to 30 megalitres.
Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the end of next year, with full completion a year later.
Toxic pollution found along Klein Drinkwater stream
Bloom also saw the effects of pollution on Jacob Durr’s farm, where the Klein Drinkwater stream is described as highly toxic.
The statement says ammonia and high E. coli levels have been detected, while the river is too polluted for irrigation.
Dam levels raise Day Zero concerns
At a stakeholder meeting, ward councillor JJ Scholtz warned that Brummer Dam is now too polluted to avert Day Zero if the area receives no rain.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES: See the pollution and water crisis affecting Ermelo
Douglas Dam is 50% full, with water extraction expected to stop when it reaches 25%.
Read more about the 2023 court action, Jacob Durr’s farm and the pollution affecting the Klein Drinkwater stream in the Highvelder.
