Watch: Waterfall Dam faces ecological crisis due to sewage spill
Johannesburg Water confirmed the extent of the spillage and stated that similar incidents have occurred in other regions and have been categorised as disaster management events due to their severity.
Midrand residents are facing a significant ecological disaster due to a sewage spillage in Waterfall Dam, which resulted from a sewer pipe upstream collapsing.
Normally, the dam would experience low water levels during this dry season, but the current situation presents a stark contrast, as it is now flooded with untreated sewage, with visible waste floating in the dam.
Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe characterised the situation as a severe ecological disaster and a significant health hazard for the community.
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The problem has persisted for weeks, prompting residents to voice their concerns about the polluted state of the dam. In response to these reports, Deppe reached out to Johannesburg Water for more information.
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“We contacted the city, and there was a sewer leak upstream, but they could not find it as the site is behind a locked gate and quite a walk through bush… However, the problem was identified, and according to officials, the spillage was caused by a collapsed river-crossing sewer pipe that was damaged during a previous storm,” said Deppe.
However, she expressed skepticism regarding the speed at which the problem would be resolved, noting that the repairs needed for the pipeline would require substantial funding, potentially causing further delays.
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“The city requested an extraordinary capital budget to have this [pipeline] fixed. They requested it last week [March 28], and they had capital expenditure representatives come out to assess the situation,” Deppe explained.
“I am sure that this week [March 31-April 4], we will get the answer as to where they will get the money from to fix it. If it takes longer than this week, then I will throw my toys out the cot. But I am hoping we get a response this week. This is affecting the residents quite badly. The whole bottom dam of Waterfall is black and full of sewage.”
Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala confirmed the utility was aware of the significant sewage spillage into the dam.
She said similar incidents have occurred in other regions, and these situations have been classified as disaster management events due to their severity.
“In response to this incident, Johannesburg Water is actively working to address and mitigate the impact,” she added. “The City of Johannesburg, together with Johannesburg Water, are in the process of quantifying the works and sourcing emergency funding to appoint contractors for the necessary repairs and recovery work.
“Every effort is being made to fast-track the process and ensure swift resolution. Johannesburg Water remains committed to resolving this issue with urgency and working tirelessly to restore normal conditions. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused to the community and all affected parties.”
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