Despite earlier warnings, there were reports of communities retrieving dead fish from the contaminated Baynespruit and Duzi rivers to sell to unsuspecting customers.
"However, water from the municipality’s supply is absolutely safe for use, as it is purified at the Midmar and DV Harris water treatment works." The pollution reached the Umsunduzi River, into which the Baynespruit flows. The pollution also reportedly affected the Darvill wastewater treatment plant, the main treatment plant for Pietermaritzburg."Most of the solids on the Baynespruit and Duzi rivers are now recovered and the pH levels have stabilised.
"However, aquatic organisms have been severely impacted and environmental studies are being conducted regarding the extent of the damage.