396 water facilities in South Africa pose serious health risks – here is the full list

The Green Drop 2025 report identified 396 wastewater treatment systems across South Africa which are in a critical state and pose public health risks.

This was revealed by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, in response to a Parliamentary question.

Member of the National Assembly, Visvin Reddy, asked Majodina which wastewater treatment works are posing immediate public health risks.

She responded, saying the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) uses the Green Drop Regulatory Programme for this purpose.

The programme identifies Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs) that pose significant environmental and potential public health risks.

“The Green Drop 2025 report identified 396 Wastewater Treatment Systems in a critical state of performance,” Majodina said.

She added that all wastewater systems in a critical state are under regulatory oversight and are required to submit a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) by 30 June 2026.

“The CAP is reviewed, and once accepted, the Department will monitor progress on its implementation,” the Minister said.

“We also provide regulatory oversight to ensure that identified risks are addressed and compliance is progressively restored.”

She explained that the timeframes for remedial action vary depending on the nature and severity of the non-compliance.

“It may range from immediate interventions to medium- and long-term infrastructure refurbishments,” she said.

396 Wastewater Treatment Systems in a critical state