Often described as “the best rowing venue in Africa”, Roodeplaat Dam, home of the 2023 World Rowing Masters Regatta, was under heavy scrutiny ever since the event was attributed to Tshwane.

Located 30km north-east of Pretoria, the dam was unrowable from 2020 to mid-2022, because of dense mats of hyacinth covering the course and poor water quality.

The conditions of the water body and the pollutant load were caused by a multitude of factors : seasonal changes, currents and wind and high nutrient levels in the water.

The Organising Committee made a huge effort to remove the invasive aquatic plants using pitchforks and nets, which helped control the invasive species and ensured that training and regattas continued at the dam, they also partnered with Blue Planet, a bio solutions company that utilises nature’s own micro organisms to clean and restore natural water.

Blue Planet was appointed twelve weeks before the event, and installed nanobubble technology to help oxygenate the water supply and are doing regular bioremediation treatment on the water. This has improved the water quality on the course and around the jetties drastically, and the quality of the water was compliant to World Rowing’s standards four weeks ahead of the event. “It was all hands on deck, says Heiner Dominick from Blue Planet. Nanobubble technology from Moleaer is proven & validated in remediation of large water bodies, and respectful of the local environment. We have man made methods to accelerate the deployment & control of these conditions to deal with our man made problem that is pollution. Here, we’ve done preventive treatment to mitigate any risk. I can comfortably say that the water quality is fully compliant.”

Every morning at the Roodeplaat Dam, Heiner and his team collect samples from the water to analyse, making sure there are no health issues, and provide a full report to the Organising Committee. “There is a little bit of algae in the water, continues Heiner Dominick, and depending on the way the wind blows, it may not look great on the water, but it’s not risky at all. We have an emergency committee that deals with any hiccups. We have carried a lot of mitigating products, so should we pick up a problem, we can intervene immediately and a couple of hours later, the situation would be back under control.”

Keith McIvor, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, added that “BluePlanet have been a strategic partner and integral to the success of the event”.

The main goal now is to ensure that after this event, the quality of the water at the Roodeplaat Dam remains under control. A long-term plan has been developed but requires donors or local funding to “keep this place clean” adds Heiner Dominick. The success of the 2023 World Rowing Masters Regatta, and the willingness to “leave a legacy for the youth” will certainly help find people that want to see another international event at the Roodeplaat Dam soon – and ensure that this place remains the home of rowing in South Africa.

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The 2023 World Rowing Masters Regatta will breathe new life into Roodeplaat Dam’s waters

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