(Read the full story in HERAUT on October 14)
Littering and illegal dumping along Blesbokspruit has an enormous impact on the river’s ecological health as the tests revealed that the number of living organisms has notably dwindled over the years. “The higher the number of living organisms, the healthier the water,” Anelile Gibexego explained to HERAUT as her colleague Bheki Sibamde collected samples from the upstream river in Noycedale.
The water quality is monitored quarterly by Jeffares & Green, who had been contracted by the East Rand Water Care Association (ERWAT). The general condition of the river is determined by looking at both chemical and biological parameters, as well as the sampling procedures.
Anelile also explained that during rainfall E.coli may be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or ground water. When those waters are used as sources of drinking water, it could pose health risks leading to severe cramps and diarrhea. “It is however, difficult to treat flowing water but in awareness is a powerful tool and local residents should constantly be made aware of the condition of their surrounding environment,” she said.
Neighboring towns are also being affected by the condition of the Blesbokspruit:
