Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo says 78 percent of water treatment plants do not function properly in Limpopo.
Seitlholo says the release of partially treated water into water sources increases the cost of water treatment and price for consumers.
Seitlholo was speaking during an oversight visit to a water project at Sekhiming village, outside Giyani in Limpopo. The visit is part of the ministrys commitment to address water pollution and water supply challenges.
The northern-most and north-eastern areas of Limpopo are generally semi-arid and dry. Every source of water from boreholes to natural fountains becomes essential to peoples livelihoods.
With the majority of water treatment plants not functioning Seitlholo says it is imperative to get them up and running.