The South African government is set to launch a National Pollution Register, which will provide the public with access to information on entities that have faced formal enforcement action for polluting the country's water resources. The register, to be launched on October 1, 2026, will list municipalities, companies, and other entities that have been issued with directives, convicted of pollution-related offences, or ordered by courts to pay damages arising from water pollution.
The Department of Water and Sanitation's Deputy Minister, Dr. Jack Bloom, will visit two sites that demonstrate the impact of pollution on water resources ahead of the launch. The first stop will be the Hartebeestfontein Wastewater Treatment Works, which was issued a directive in August 2025 in relation to pollution. The wastewater from the area flows downstream towards Rietvlei Dam, highlighting the consequences of pollution upstream on communities downstream.
The delegation will then visit the Rietvlei Water Treatment Plant, which uses Rietvlei Dam as a source of raw water. However, the deteriorating raw-water quality has affected the City's ability to use the dam as a drinking-water source. These visits aim to demonstrate the practical implications of pollution and the importance of tracking enforcement action against polluters.
The National Pollution Register is expected to increase transparency and accountability in the management of water resources. By providing public access to information on entities that have faced enforcement action, the register aims to encourage compliance with environmental regulations and promote responsible behavior among municipalities, companies, and other entities.
The launch of the National Pollution Register is part of the Department of Water and Sanitation's efforts to protect and conserve water resources in South Africa. The department has been working to address the challenges facing the country's water resources, including pollution, climate change, and aging infrastructure.
The oversight visits and the launch of the National Pollution Register are critical steps towards ensuring that entities that pollute the country's water resources are held accountable. The public will be able to access information on the register, which will be demonstrated during the launch event.
The Department of Water and Sanitation's initiative is expected to contribute to improved water quality and environmental protection in South Africa. The National Pollution Register will serve as a tool for tracking progress and promoting compliance with environmental regulations.
Key points
- The National Pollution Register will provide public access to information on entities that have faced enforcement action for polluting South Africa's water resources.
- The register aims to increase transparency and accountability in the management of water resources.
- The launch of the register is part of the Department of Water and Sanitation's efforts to protect and conserve water resources in South Africa.
