Mercury found in Cato Ridge stream after factory fire

"The City is advising residents to avoid contact with the Umngcwini stream after water samples taken indicated elevated levels of mercury," the municipality said in a statement.

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The warning comes after a fire tore through parts of the Metallica Chemicals premises.

"Members of the public are also cautioned against allowing livestock to drink from the water or from irrigating crops using water from the source until further notice," continued eThekwini's statement.

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eThekwini says the substance can be both harmful to humans and animals.

Metallica Chemicals had not responded to emailed questions by the time of publishing.