Development of a comprehensive monitoring and auditing tool for oxidation ponds systems in the Middle Vaal and Upper Orange catchment areas

An investigation of the current status of municipal sewage pond systems in the Free State region was undertaken to provide the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) Free State Regional Office with a strategic decision support tool to evaluate the current status of sewage pond systems in order to provide base-line information required by the Department. This will also contribute to a healthy environment by ensuring that strategic environmental issues associated with sewage systems are identified and that potential strategies for impact minimisation and prevention are implemented. This paper provides feedback on the background to the study, literature review conducted, the tool developed that can be utilised to assess pond systems and its outputs. This tool must be seen as a positive evaluation tool to ensure good management of pond systems to promote a healthy environment.