Water quality in the upper Klip River, Region 5, City of Johannesburg

M.Sc.The main aim of this study is to determine the water quality of water sampling points situated in Region Five of The City of Johannesburg. The water quality is studied over a three-year period from July 2000 until June 2003; this includes a dry, normal and rainy year. Region Five falls within the Upper Klipriver sub-catchment, which forms part of the Klip river catchment. The physical, chemical and microbiological sampling results are obtained from Rand Water. These results are compared with the water quality guidelines as set by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry namely for domestic use, recreational use and aquatic ecosystems, as well as the guidelines set by Rand Water. These results of the variables that were selected are depicted visually in the form of graphs. A scientific approach is followed with respect to the water quality results. The significance of the data is statistically evaluated by using the Student’s t-test. The seasons are divided into two groups namely the more dry and cool season (autumn/winter) and the more rainy and hot season (spring/summer). This is done to determine if the seasons have a significant effect on the water quality results in comparison to each other. The water quality results are then discussed with respect to the different sampling sites. Sampling point K9, the stream at Durban Roodepoort Deep mine delivered the most problematic results of the different sampling points studied, and indicated that acid mine drainage was taking place during the sampling period. The other sampling points are less problematic. Point and non-point source pollution are elaborated on, and recommendations are made to improve the water quality at the sampling points selected