Water plant shut down amid concerns about water contamination. This, the city says, is due to illegal mining activities taking place at the Rimers Creek Water Treatment Plant. “Illegal mining happening at Rimers Creek disturbs raw water abstraction and can lead to contamination of water treatment processes and the safety of drinking water. Illegal mining blamed for threat to water supplyAccording to reports, CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala confirmed the situation, cautioning residents in Barberton about the potential disruption to their water supply. Residents were also asked to follow all municipal updates regarding water quality and supply interruptions.