Ekurhuleni..Health warning -  Cyanotoxins in the water

There is a Cyanobacteria bloom in the Hennopsriver as far up as the Sesmylspruit. This is caused by severe sewage pollution coming from above the Rietvlei Dam. This nature reserve and water source for many in Centurion will also be affected, as well as the lower Crocodile River and Hartebeespoort Dam where the toxins end up, further blooms can be expected there. 

All contact with this water should be avoided. The ingestion of even small amounts can cause serious health problems such as liver damage and even sudden death.

These Blue-green algae produce a potent neurotoxin and carcinogen Microcystin -  very fast acting, it attacks the central nervous system and liver. Even large animals like Buffalo and Elephants can succumb quickly. 
Huge amounts of animals are at risk in the nature reserves all along the water’s edge. 

Pets and farm animals should be kept away from the water. 

As these toxins are microscopic and become part of the water they are very difficult to clean out, even by boiling. 

Most of this pollution happened at the sources of these Rivers on the East Rand. Mainly caused by improper sewage treatment in the City of Ekurhuleni. The municipality mostly responsible for this ongoing disaster. 

The pollution is escalating, the whole Hennopsriver has the definite lime Green colour. The first time we’ve seen it this bad - Mother Nature bites back. 

The senseless sewage pollution causing this dangerous and tragic situation must be stopped - millions of lives are at stake.