Cape beaches not clean

STUDY: SIGNIFICANT CONTAMINATION LEVELS DESPITE CLAIMS BY CITY

- Thando Nondywana

An independent study has revealed significant contamination levels at several Cape Town beaches, despite assurances from the City that its beaches have met all water quality standards.

Project Blue, conducted during November and last month, investigated the seawater quality at beaches along the Table Bay and False Bay coasts.

The study was undertaken in response to public concern about the seawater quality and health risks of possible sewage pollution, including Camps Bay, Clifton 4th Beach—both awarded Blue Flag status for the 2024/25 season—Maidens Cove, Saunders Rock and Lagoon Beach.

The research, led by Dr Jo Barnes and Prof Leslie Petri, uncovered concerning levels of bacterial contamination.

On the Table Bay coast, 42% of water samples exceeded safety limits for E. coli and enterococci bacteria, while False Bay showed similarly concerning results, with 38% exceeding safety limits.