Johannesburg Water (JW) has confirmed that a damaged sewer pipeline is responsible for the pollution affecting a river flowing through Strubens Valley, Peter Road and the Two Rivers Estate area, following months of complaints about foul odours and contaminated water.

Residents living along the river, particularly on Cypress Road, have reported a persistent sewage smell, greenish water and foam on the surface. Some also claimed the odour has affected their quality of life, causing headaches, sinus irritation and disrupted sleep.

In response to questions from the Roodepoort Northsider, JW’s Roodepoort/ Randburg regional manager, Langutani Chauke, said the problem dates back to 2024 when flooding washed away a sewer pipeline crossing the river.

“The high flow rates and associated riverbed scour undermined the pipeline support structure, leading to structural failure and displacement of the line,” Chauke explained.

He confirmed the damaged sewer infrastructure has been identified as the source of the pollution.

Water quality testing has also detected consistently high levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli), confirming ongoing sewage contamination.

According to Chauke, the pollution has significantly affected the river’s ecological health.

“Dissolved oxygen levels are periodically suppressed, particularly in stagnant reaches affected by heavy organic pollution, reducing aquatic ecosystem health. Downstream water quality impacts remain significant, as contamination generated within the area is transferred into connected river reaches.”

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Chauke said several meetings have been held with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and City Power to co-ordinate repairs.

“The incident specifically involves the JRA and City Power. JRA has appointed a service provider to carry out the reinstatement of the bridge, which includes the restoration of all associated services. Progress is being coordinated through ongoing monthly meetings with all parties involved.”

Responding to residents’ concerns about possible health effects, Chauke said sewer odours in open, well-ventilated areas ‘do not pose any health issues’. He added that the Environmental Infrastructure Services Department has issued a notice to JW regarding the pollution.

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As an interim measure, JW plans to reconnect the existing pipeline to a manhole across the river while work on a permanent solution gets under way.

“The current pipeline will be relocated. The estimated timeframe for completion of this permanent solution is about six months,” Chauke said.

He added that JW monitors water quality monthly at three surface water sampling points in the area.

Meanwhile, the JRA told the Northsider its regional teams had assessed the matter and believe the pollution originates from the sewer system rather than the stormwater network.

The Northsider will continue following developments as repair work progresses.