| Coastal water quality | Coastal water quality | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Coastal_Water_Quality.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <div class="ExternalClassCC7E272B0478468F81BAFF72F874ADA7"><p>We conduct weekly and bi-weekly testing at 107 sites along our Atlantic and False Bay coastlines to determine the water quality at recreational beaches, tidal pools, and coastal monitoring points. Access the raw results and FAQs on coastal water quality below.</p></div> | <h2 class="sectHeading">Water quality results across the coastline</h2><p>As of 18 November 2024, the City initiated a new coastal water quality sampling regime. Key recreational nodes are now sampled weekly, while all other sites are still sampled twice a month or in a few cases, monthly. The raw data is presented in the water quality report below.</p>
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<strong>WATER QUALITY Results</strong></span><br><br>Download the latest water quality review table<strong>.</strong></p>
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<i class="icon download"></i>Download PDF</a> </figcaption> </div></span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Coastal Summer Dashboard</h2><p>Our Summer Dashboard provides the raw enterococci counts for the 30 most popular beaches along our coastline. The water quality is calculated by using the 10 most recent results and updated weekly as results from ongoing testing become available. </p><div class="responsive-media">
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4gKhK8UxLQM" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div><p>Download the latest dashboard to keep track of the water quality patterns at your favourite beach nodes during the festive season.</p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Coastal_Water_Quality_Summer_Dashboard.pdf" target="_blank"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Coastal_Summer_Dashboard_Final.JPG" alt="" /></a></figure>
<h4>The dashboard includes:</h4><ul><li>The results for the last 10 samples taken at these nodes. This provides the public with a view of the water quality over the past two-and-a-half months at these recreational nodes </li><li></li><li>The raw data (number) indicates the number of enterococci bacteria measured per 100 ml, as is the standard way of reporting </li><li>An individual count of <240 (less than 240) is regarded as acceptable for recreational use.</li><li>As new results come in the oldest result will be removed and the latest added. </li></ul>
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<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p> Water quality data is not real time data. It is used to calculate risk, as we only get the results about four days after the sample has been taken. However, we do know 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.</p></div></div></span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Coastal water quality research projects</h2><p>Intensive high frequency water sampling has been undertaken at Camps Bay, Green Point, Hout Bay and Strand beach. Results from more than
<strong>12 months of daily sampling </strong>are presented for Camps Bay (in front of lifeguard tower) and Strand Beach (in front of lifesaving club). The most interesting pattern is to note that through summer the CWQ is great, but that there are spikes recorded in winter during or after heavy rainfall events. This is prevalent in Strand with the impact of the flushing Lourens river. Spikes in Camps Bay may be a result of overwhelmed sewer systems causing localised overflows into the stormwater system.</p><h4>Access the research summary reports:</h4><ul><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/CampsBay%20Coastal_Water_Quality_report.pdf" target="_blank">Camps Bay Coastal Water Quality Analysis Report</a></li><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/GreenPoint_Coastal_Water_Quality_report.pdf" target="_blank">Green Point Coastal Water Quality Analysis Report</a></li><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Hout-Bay-Coastal_Water_Quality_report.pdf" target="_blank">Hout Bay Coastal Water Quality Analysis Report</a></li><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Strand_Coastal_Water_Quality_report.pdf" target="_blank">Strand Coastal Water Quality Analysis Report</a></li></ul><h4>The reports detail:</h4><ul><li>The outcome of 371 sampling tests over a period of 12 months from four locations at Camps Bay beach – the results show consistently high water quality at this beach throughout the year </li><li>The outcome of daily sampling at the Green Point pump station from August 2024 to November 2024 – the results are ‘good’, and confirm there is no wastewater discharge from the old outfall pipe </li><li>The outcome of weekly sampling between October 2023 and November 2024 and daily sampling (Monday to Friday) from 23 September 2024 to 22 November 2024 at the Strand swimming area and Strand surfing area, colloquially referred to as ‘Pipe’. The results for both locations indicate these nodes meet the standards for recreational use during summer when no rainfall events have occurred. </li><li> Hout Bay beach, which shows the impact of the Disa River on water quality in winter. However, in summer, the water quality at the two swimming areas - namely Chapman’s Peak and Mariners Wharf - meets the standard for recreational use</li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Why is water quality assessed?</h2><p>Water quality is assessed to keep the City, its residents and its visitors informed about the state of our coastal environment. We apply the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/South_African_Recreational_Water_Quality_Guidelines.pdf.pdf" target="_blank">National Water Quality Guidelines</a> at all of our sampling points, to determine a water quality “category” for that area. </p><p> Our annual Know Your Coast report provides reasons and analysis for any sites where the water quality category is ‘poor’. We make every effort to update the category for each site; and share the most recent results with you twice a month. </p>
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<h2 class="sectHeading">Know Your Coast reports<br></h2>
<p>The City prepares a report on water quality for the period 1 December - 30 November annually. The latest report is available below:
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<div class="content-accordion"><div class="content-trigger contentTrigger"><h4>See all reports<i class="icon button-down-arrow"></i></h4><div class="content-toggle contentToggle" style="display:none;"><p>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Know_Your_Coast_2025_Report.pdf" target="_blank">Know Your Coast 2025 Report</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Know_Your_Coast_2023_Report.pdf" target="_blank">Know Your Coast 2023 FAQs </a>
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<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Know_Your_Coast_2022_Report.pdf" target="_blank">Know Your Coast 2022 Report</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Know_Your_Coast_2021_Report.pdf" target="_blank">Know Your Coast 2021 Report</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Know_Your_Coast_2020.pdf" target="_blank">Know Your Coast 2020 Report</a><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Know_Your_Coast_2019.pdf" target="_blank">Know Your Coast 2019 Report</a><span></span></p></div></div></div>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Natural coastal phenomena</h2>
<p>We have created some educational videos on natural coastal phenomena, including:</p>
<ul><li>An overview of coastal phenomena;</li><li>Algal bloom;</li><li>Kelp on beaches;</li><li>River discolouration;</li><li>Sea foam;</li><li>Sediment and colour fonts; and</li><li>Marine Outfall research</li></ul>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQZ9ZqJptobe1ohFch0P84jPshGbn7zsd" target="_blank">View the full playlist<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>.</p>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Tips for a safer beach experience </h2>
<ul><li>Avoid swimming for 12 to 24 hours after moderate to heavy rainfall. Rainfall increases the possibility of poor water quality, as it washes pollution from land and overflowing sewers into the ocean. This advice applies particularly to beaches where the water quality is rated “sufficient” or “poor”. </li><li>Avoid swimming near the mouths of estuaries and sheltered lagoons. The water quality might be of a poorer quality. </li><li>Avoid swimming in the sea or paddling in rock pools close to stormwater outlets. </li></ul>
<h2 class="sectHeading">What you can do to boost and maintain coastal water quality</h2>
<p>We are committed to protecting Cape Town’s coastal resources, however, we simply do not have the resources to control all sources of pollution. Here are some actions you can take at the beach, at home and at work to help improve coastal water quality.</p>
<ul><li>Do not flush nappies, female hygiene products, ear buds and cigarette butts down the toilet. This can lead to sewer blockages, which causes overflows into the stormwater drainage system, and impacts on coastal water quality. </li><li>Do not leave food and other waste on the beach. Food waste can attract birds and rats, which are sources of faecal bacteria and pathogens. </li><li>Do not litter. Rain can wash litter into stormwater systems, which eventually ends up in our rivers, estuaries or the sea. Plastic is a major pollutant of coastal waters. </li><li>Do not throw anything into stormwater drains, including pet waste, garden clippings, street sweepings and other waste. Stormwater eventually flows into rivers, estuaries or the sea, transferring these items and the associated contaminants into the water. </li><li>Take a bag with you for collecting plastic and other rubbish when you walk on the beach. Even if you collect and properly dispose of only a few items of waste, every bit helps. </li><li>Only walk your dog on
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/Dogs_and_%20Horses_on%20CTBeaches.pdf" target="_blank">dog-friendly beaches</a>, and remember to pick-up and dispose of your dog’s waste properly - do not bury it in the sand. Dog waste contains high numbers of bacteria and pathogens, which affect water quality. </li><li>Restaurants and households should dispose of fat, oil and grease properly. These substances should never be poured down the drain (fat hardens in water). This can lead to blocked sewers and overflows into the stormwater drainage system, affecting coastal water quality. </li><li>Keep the road verge near your home or business property clean. This will prevent foreign matter from blocking the stormwater system or ending up on the coast. </li><li>Stormwater is a major factor affecting coastal water quality in cities. At your home and business property, make sure you direct the rainwater runoff from paved and tarred surfaces and roofs onto vegetated areas wherever possible. </li><li>Use pavers with gaps on driveways. This will reduce the amount of runoff entering the stormwater system and retain contaminants in the runoff. </li><li>Report any pollution incidents you might come across using our
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/ServiceRequests">service request tool</a>.<br></li></ul>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Marine outfalls</h2>
<p>Marine outfalls are widely used in coastal cities across the world to dispose of wastewater generated by humans. The outfalls discharge wastewater into the sea with minimal loss or impact on the environment as long as the wastewater does not exceed the assimilative capacity of the ocean. <br></p>
<p> Once disposal of wastewater exceeds the assimilative capacity of the marine environment, environmental degradation and loss quickly follows. In the case of offshore marine outfalls, the intention - through engineering design - is to release wastewater in a very large, open and powerful ocean system where dispersion and assimilation of wastewater is rapid. </p>
<p>Read the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Marine_Outfalls_FAQs.pdf" target="_blank">Marine Outfalls FAQs</a> for more information.</p>
<div class="content-accordion"><div class="content-trigger contentTrigger"><h4>Marine Outfalls Annual Monitoring Reports<i class="icon button-down-arrow"></i></h4><div class="content-toggle contentToggle" style="display:none;"><p>Access the latest report on 12 months of monitoring: </p>
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<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Marine-Outfalls-Annual-Report-2024-25.pdf" target="_blank">Marine Wastewater Outfalls: Receiving Environment Monitoring Report 2024/2025 </a></li></ul></div></div></div>
<p>The resources below reflect six years of research undertaken by external independent experts in the field of marine science and pollution. The reports collectively make up the Marine Outfall Monitoring Report, which presents findings for all three of the City’s marine outfalls, namely: Camps Bay, Green Point and Hout Bay. </p>
<div class="content-accordion"><div class="content-trigger contentTrigger"><h4>Reports<i class="icon button-down-arrow"></i></h4><div class="content-toggle contentToggle" style="display:none;"><p>
<strong>Environmental Summary Reports (ESR)</strong><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Camps_Bay_Marine_Outfall_Environmental_Summary_Report.pdf" target="_blank">Camps Bay</a> (3.29 MB)<br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Green_Point_Marine_Outfall_Environmental_Summary_Report.pdf" target="_blank">Green Point</a> (3.37 MB)<br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Hout_Bay_Marine_Outfall_Environmental_Summary_Report.pdf">Hout Bay</a> (2.65 MB)<br></p><p>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Coastal_Management_Report_Marine_Outfalls_September_2022.pdf" target="_blank">Coastal Management Report: Marine Outfalls</a> (996 KB)<br></p><p>
<strong>2016 - 2022 Research used to inform ESRs</strong><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/A_Full_CSIR_2017_Outfall_Assessment_Report_and_Annexures.zip">Full CSIR 2017 Outfall Assessment Report</a> (19.0 MB)<br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/B_Numerical_Dispersion_Modelling_Reports_Marine_Outfalls.zip">Numerical Dispersion Modelling Reports for Cape Town’s Marine Outfalls</a> (36.5 MB)<br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/C_Sea_Water_Quality_Monitoring_Six_Seasonal_Reports.zip">Sea Water Quality Monitoring Reports: Reports for each of the Six Seasons</a> (63.9 MB)<br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Preliminary_Biodiversity_Assessment_Camps_Bay_Marine_Outfall.pdf" target="_blank">Preliminary Biodiversity Assessment: Camps Bay Marine Outfall</a> (1.88 MB)<br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20research%20reports%20and%20review/Initial_Benthic_Macrofauna_Survey-Camps_Bay%20Marine_Outfall.pdf" target="_blank">Initial Benthic Macrofauna Survey: Camps Bay Marine Outfall</a> (1.39 MB)<br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/F_Assessment_Pharmaceutical_Compounds_Cape_Town_Coastal_Waters_Winter_Summer_CSIR_2021.zip">Assessment of Pharmaceutical Compounds in Cape Town’s Coastal Waters: Winter and Summer</a> (18.2 MB)</p></div></div></div>
<div class="content-accordion"><div class="content-trigger contentTrigger"><h4>Videos<i class="icon button-down-arrow"></i></h4><div class="content-toggle contentToggle" style="display:none;"><p>
<strong>Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) Surveys</strong><br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/Camps_Bay_Marine_Outfall_BRUV_Video.zip">Camps Bay</a> (85.3 MB)<br><a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/Sandy_Bay_Marine_Outfall_BRUV_Video.zip">Sandy Bay</a> (85.4 MB)<br></p></div></div></div>
<h4>Learn more about Cape Town’s coastline, beaches and coastal amenities:</h4>
<ul><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/Our-beaches-and-coast/Conserving-our-coast">Conserving our coast </a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Beaches">Our beaches </a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Resorts">Our coastal resorts </a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Tidal%20pools">Our tidal pools</a> </li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Nature-and-outdoors/Our-beaches-and-coast/Our-unique-coastline">Our unique coastline</a></li></ul>
<p>Contact our
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Environmental%20Management%20Department">Environmental Management Department </a>for more information.</p></span> | | GP0|#d8b7807d-bfae-4611-bd18-d40a668bcfa3;L0|#0d8b7807d-bfae-4611-bd18-d40a668bcfa3|Coastal water quality;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#18da33b4-b150-4fb2-9409-e82d667ad4dd;GPP|#553ce1f7-0fea-434b-bbc1-744edbd62039;GPP|#c529c1ac-1f8d-48ae-8079-d34f4dae9c57;GP0|#56ee912a-522b-465d-9df1-6b6d31f221d3;L0|#056ee912a-522b-465d-9df1-6b6d31f221d3|Coastal water quality;GPP|#69af3a35-ae90-45eb-8557-9dcd3cb9880b;GPP|#36dcb5fe-6bfc-4ae9-92d7-8bd08d1f6414;GPP|#af370586-9ba3-404a-9d6e-02066ca42752;GP0|#943b6787-6fab-44fc-82f5-f0465f85f6cc;L0|#0943b6787-6fab-44fc-82f5-f0465f85f6cc|Coastal water quality;GPP|#2c6b5e3d-3b66-464a-b566-c75e062c96c7;GPP|#0d3239d7-7f51-4f27-91a0-72970cba1d46;GPP|#e88ff549-973f-4e3c-a46c-cfbe61bd6a24 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Find out about the quality of Cape Town’s coastal waters and what the City is doing to improve the situation; and how residents can contribute to reduce our collective impact on our natural environment. | 0 |
