Hennops River
| Hennops River | |
| River | |
| Country | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Province | Gauteng |
| Municipality | Ekurhuleni |
| Part of | Crocodile River (Limpopo) |
| Tributaries | |
| - right | Rietvlei River |
| Source | |
| - location | Kempton Park |
| Mouth | Crocodile River |
| - elevation | 1,212 m (3,976 ft) |
| - coordinates | 25°50′37″S 27°55′56″E / 25.84361°S 27.93222°ECoordinates: 25°50′37″S 27°55′56″E / 25.84361°S 27.93222°E |
| Length | 94 km (58 mi) |
  Location of the Hennops River mouth | |
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.[1]
Course
The 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.
Dams
The 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.
Pollution
The 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.[2] Hence, it is another large contributing factor to the eutrophication problems currently facing Hartbeespoort Dam.
Tourist attractions
The valley of the river is a weekend and holiday destination for residents of the nearby cities. The banks of the Hennops are a popular location for hiking,[3] fishing, camping,[4] and picnicking. It is crossed by two small suspension bridges, one at Centurion Mall, and the other at Hennops Pride . There are also resorts and a 4x4 trail.[5]
See also
References
External links
- Natural and anthropogenic influences on water quality: an example from rivers draining the Johannesburg Granite Dome
- Tourist Attractions near Hennops River, Gauteng, South Africa
- Hennops Off-road Trail - Drive Out