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The City of Tshwane called for R2 billion in 2025 to refurbish the polluted Apies River. Sean Phillips from the Department of Water and Sanitation reported that R407 billion is needed for South Africa's water infrastructure, sufficient for only 105 municipalities, not including major cities.

The Rooiwal WWTW has contributed to untreated sewage discharges into the river. Pollution has been documented since 2005, leading to a disaster zone designation. A 2021 study highlighted that agricultural runoff and wastewater treatment plants are key pollution sources, rendering the river unsafe for human consumption but viable for irrigation.