Hennops River

The Hennops River is one of the larger rivers that drains Gauteng, South Africa. It has its source near Kempton Park, eastern Johannesburg and meets the Crocodile River (Limpopo) shortly before Hartbeespoort Dam. It is one of Gauteng's most polluted rivers.CourseThe Hennops River starts in Terenure, Kempton Park, and flows in a northerly direction towards Tembisa township. It then flows past Olifantsfontein and meets the Sesmyl Spruit which flows out of the Rietvlei Dam. The river then turns north-west flowing through the centre of Centurion. The river continues in this direction flowing through the foothills of the Magaliesburg before flowing into the Crocodile River (Limpopo) on its right bank.DamsThe Rietvlei Dam, which provides water to City of Tshwane, as well as numerous farm dams are situated in the Hennops River Basin. Lake Centurion as well as numerous weirs are situated on the river.PollutionThe Hennops River is one of Gauteng's most polluted rivers. Lack of sanitation facilities and maintenance in Tembisa, Ivory Park, Olifantsfontein and Erasmia has turned the river into an open sewer. AfriForum gathered water samples from the Hennops River and according to the results‚ more than 1 000 000 units of E. coli per 100 ml are present in the water. However‚ it said‚ the norm in an aquatic environment should be less than 200 units per 100 ml to ensure a healthy ecosystem. Hence, it is another large contributing factor to the eutrophication problems currently facing Hartbeespoort Dam.