The uMgungundlovu District Municipality has acknowledged that sewage spills are only one of several factors contributing to the pollution of Albert Falls Dam, saying agricultural runoff, possible industrial pollution and ageing sewer infrastructure are all affecting the water quality.
The admission comes amid growing calls from residents, anglers and environmental groups for urgent intervention to restore the dam, which has become a source of increasing concern due to deteriorating environmental conditions.
Earlier this week, a local angler described the situation as reaching crisis point, citing declining fish stocks, recurring algal blooms and worsening water quality.
The concerns have prompted residents, conservationists and anglers to launch the Saving Albert Falls campaign, with a petition attracting more than 1,200 signatures within its first day.
Municipal spokesperson Brian Zuma said water quality tests conducted by Umgeni-uThukela Water identified several contributors to the pollution.
He explained that heavy rainfall washes fertilisers from farms along the uMngeni River into the water system, eventually flowing into Albert Falls Dam and contributing to pollution. He added that factories located along the river system may also be releasing pollutants, with investigations planned to determine their role.
Zuma said the municipality also continues to battle frequent sewer blockages, many of which are caused by residents flushing inappropriate items into the sewer network.
He said public awareness campaigns are being prioritised to encourage responsible waste disposal and reduce sewage spillages caused by blocked sewer lines.
According to Zuma, ageing sewer infrastructure has further compounded the problem. The municipality has begun replacing old sewer pipes with more durable PVC piping to reduce bursts and improve the reliability of the network.
He said the municipality has developed a mitigation plan that includes replacing ageing sewer infrastructure, restoring the Cedara wastewater treatment plant and intensifying public education campaigns aimed at preventing sewer blockages.
Zuma said the Cedara treatment plant, which had been out of operation for some time, is currently being rehabilitated and will play a key role in reducing pollution entering the dam once it is fully operational.
He acknowledged that the pollution has affected many communities and called for collective responsibility, saying government, businesses and residents all have a role to play in protecting the area's water resources. He also apologised to those impacted by the deteriorating condition of the dam.