Cape Town’s beaches are ready to welcome locals and tourists alike this festive season, with water quality at its coastal hotspots described as world-class.
According to recent data from the City of Cape Town, 100% of water samples collected from 30 popular beaches along the Atlantic and False Bay coastlines over the past month met recreational guidelines. Camps Bay consistently achieved excellent results throughout the year.
“We do know, however, that after rainfall events and due to the flushing of the catchments, the water quality usually declines for short periods. This is a common phenomenon in urban areas around the world, but as it currently stands, Cape Town’s coastal water quality is of a very high standard at our popular beaches,” as per the City’s statement.
The City says its Coastal Summer Dashboard is accessible to the public, and that weekly updates will be provided, so that beachgoers have an idea of the water quality at their favourite beaches.
While coastal water quality thrives, the City’s inland water bodies paint a different picture. Rivers, wetlands, and vleis are grappling with increased levels of phosphorus, nitrogen, and E. coli. This, according to the City’s Annual Inland Water Quality Report, is driven by nutrient enrichment, sewage contamination, and illegal dumping.
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, says these issues are made worse due to urbanisation, vandalism, and run-off from informal settlements.
READ MORE: Major pollution challenges in Cape Town inland water systems
