Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Angry Dad Shoots Daughter's Laptop ... after she criticized her parents on Facebook »

Underground Acid Lake Threatens Johannesburg

City needs millions to pump toxic water from mines

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 7, 2010 11:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – Johannesburg is frantically attempting to procure millions of dollars for a new pumping station, before a rising tide of toxic mine water seeps into the city’s streets. Abandoned mine shafts in and around the city have filled up with ground water, which oxidizes with the metals within the mines, the Daily Telegraph explains. As it rises, the water, which has the same acidity as vinegar, could lead to earth tremors and power outages, and cause cancer in city residents.

At its current rate of ascent—up to 3 feet a day—it'll take the water 18 months to reach the surface. Building a pumping station would take about 13 months, so the city needs funding ASAP. It’s currently negotiating with the mining companies that originally dug the mines, hoping to wring some money from them, while pitching other investors on the profit potential of the new water source.

A view of the Johannesburg Skyline, South Africa, Oct. 18, 2009.
A view of the Johannesburg Skyline, South Africa, Oct. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
13%
15%
6%
2%
64%
0%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Mr_Joshua
Sep 7, 2010 4:10 PM CDT
Talk about karma and something coming back round and biting you on the ass. Just a big pity that it will not bite the asses of those who actually made big $ from the mines. Black South Africans would not have seen a cent from all those riches. As usual, its the common man and those in poverty that get the shaft. And you can call me...Mr Joshua.
riffran
Sep 7, 2010 1:37 PM CDT
at least it's not Bush's fault........acidity of vinegar?...hmmmmm all you need is an array of zinc and copper plates..bam free energy. The Johannesburg Battery
Shawn_The_Bohn
Sep 7, 2010 11:50 AM CDT
Thats what happens when you let imperialists rape your country.

More Newser Stories

Californian Busted for Lucrative Illegal Gold Mine

China's Air Quality Data Suspiciously Sunny

Fleece Jackets Polluting the World's Oceans

Cynical Chinese Taking Own Smog Readings

China Admits: It's Smog, not Fog


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne