Water quality at Zeekoevlei fluctuates continually with various environmental factors. While a general trend towards cleaner conditions over the past few years has been noticed, this year is likely to be an exception.
Our first post draw-down water quality tests results have been received and although the water quality has improved considerably since draw down as usual, it has not improved as much as was hoped for.
The major factor is believed to be a lack of flushing during drawdown resulting from a lack of rain.
The bacterial measurement for September was above the water quality guideline for recreation, as was the algal sample in August. Unfortunately real time data is not available at present. Further advice and clarification has been requested from scientific services. The possibility of more regular testing is also being explored.
In light of this, City of Cape Town Nature Conservation advises all users to avoid contact with the water until such time as advice is received from scientific services.
A second notice will be issued at that time.
Kind regards,
Joshua Gericke
Manager: Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve
Biodiversity Management Branch
ERMD
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 396 4281
Fax: 021 706 2405
Email: ZeekoevleiNature.Reserve@capetown.gov.za
Hi Joshua
What is the City doing? Please advise when you are going to clean up the Bottom Road Sanctuary- we will not endure the summer with our shoreline resembling a toilet- I am holding back on rates until this s sorted out and plans put in place in terms of maintenance.
Re water
To merely send out this warning notice is not sufficient. Everybody living round the vlei has to be made aware of this and signposts will need to be erected. People living around the lake have, for decades, ‘tolerated’ a situation that is a risk to the health of themselves and their animals, as well as devaluing their properties and their ‘quality of life’.
On an oversight basis, the vlei needs a permanent Water Warden, with a decent boat, and the monitoring equipment. 256 ha of vlei is more than enough to demand a full time person for this. The vlei cannot be effectively policed or monitored from the shoreline, and the Warden provides for immediate response for both, plus an element of rescue and First Aid.
PLEASE FORWARD ME THE ACTUAL READINGS AND REPORT BY THE CITY RE CURRENT WATER QUALITY, DATE OF SAMPLE, LOCATION OF SAMPLE ETC ETC thanks
Dear Joshua
We recently reported to you that we spotted a vehicle dumping sewage in the canal. Please provide an update as we have the photo’s and registration number of the vehicle.
Many thanks
Charles
0834123963