According to the Green Drop report,compiled by the water affairs ministry,only 45 percent of waste-water systems assessed scored more than 50 percent.
This means sewage is not being adequately treated in most of SA’s 850 treatment works. Insufficiently treated water is discharged into local river systems,affecting downstream users such as farmers and rural communities,and degrading ecosystems.
But if sewage treatment works are not improved,SA could in time lose more of its water resources,putting more strain on agriculture. Fresh water is already in tight supply,with the Eastern Cape suffering a severe drought.
Half of municipalities did not take part in the report which was compiled from 2008 to last year.
Business Day said the report was meant to be released in November but had been kept under wraps.
It was expected to be made public yesterday.
Report by Business Day
