The City of Cape Town says that it has detected algae in the Milnerton Lagoon, but confirmed that it is non-toxic green algae.
‘’The Water and
Sanitation Directorate investigated the water quality of the Milnerton Lagoon,
and we have created a list of possible pollution sources for the catchment. The
directorate is closely monitoring all pollution sources and does regular water
quality sampling and physical inspections of our infrastructure,’’ said Mayco member
for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.
Badroodien added that although
there are no blue-green algae present in the lagoon, harmful algal blooms are
an ongoing threat, particularly in the vleis and water bodies (including
Milnerton Lagoon) which are in nutrient rich situations and are exposed to hot
weather.
In a statement, the
mayco member said that the concentration of algae can vary due to factors that
can influence their growth through a range of possible sources.
‘’The Bulk
Infrastructure Department confirms that Potsdam WWTW is a small contributor to
the problems we face with the waterway. The treatment facility achieves high
compliance ratings for its treated effluent which sometimes has nutrients
present in the discharge. At no point has Potsdam WWTW discharged raw effluent
or had any emergency or unauthorised discharges that could have resulted in the
algae bloom,’’ added Badroodien.
The City’s Water and
Sanitation Directorate is investigating the possible source(s) of this algal
bloom, adding that it will continue to monitor the lagoon’s water quality and
will assess whether mechanically opening the estuary mouth will assist. The municipality
said it will also monitor the lagoon to see if there is any impact on wildlife
and fish.
‘’As a precautionary
approach, the City has installed additional warning signs over the weekend to
remind residents that the Milnerton Lagoon is closed to the public. The
Milnerton Lagoon is not suitable for recreational use and signage to inform the
public as such has been in place at the lagoon for several years now.’’
Done By: Mitchum George
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