Increase utilisation of water bodies
Rapid population growth and industrial development in Greater Johannesburg have put extreme pressure on future demands for water. Additional human activities (household cleaning, industrial uses, hospitals, businesses and schools) cause pollution of water resources, thus aggravating the deterioration of water resources and wastewater management.

Storm water
Pollutants found in urban stormwater run-off is determined by complex interactions between land-use, pollutant accumulations, the drainage system, stormwater characteristics and the level of maintenance and management of the drainage system.

Very little information is available on the quality of stormwater run-off from different parts of the catchment. However the pollutants vary considerably from one area to the next, for example Hillbrow, Alexandra and Sunninghill.

Poor sewage reticulation systems
Pollutants contained in the stormwater run-off are greatly affected by the poor sewage reticulation system and the presence of informal and squatter housing. The consequences thereof include high levels of COD, TKN, PO₄, TDS, SO₄, faecal colliforms and also phosphorous. Lead is also a significant pollutant, with potential sources including the washing of vehicles, deposition of motor oil, petrol and the dumping of vehicle parts. Since effluent water in Alexandra is generally removed via the stormwater system, stormwater run-off from Alexandra has a significant impact on the microbiological and chemical quality of the Jukskei River.

Stormwater quality
Stormwater often contains high nutrient levels, organic content and faecal colliform counts, suggesting sewage as an important source of contamination. Possible associated factors include inappropriate use of the open stormwater channel, leaking sewage systems or illegal connections. Litter in open stormwater channels is pervasive, including furniture, cans, glass, plastic, paper and vegetable matter. Washing water is also often discharged into the channel from nearby dwellings.

Waste-water discharge
The wastewater from sewage is released into the Jukskei River after it has been treated at the Northern Wastewater Treatment Works, located in the Northern MLC.