Marine outfalls remain compliant with regulatory standards for safe coastal water quality
04 May 2026
Cape Town’s marine outfalls at Camps Bay, Green Point and Hout Bay continue to meet regulatory requirements, with the latest monitoring confirming that surrounding coastal waters remain within recommended limits for recreational use. These findings, presented at the latest Permit Advisory Forum on 24 April 2026, reflect consistent performance across all three outfalls, supported by ongoing environmental monitoring and independent verification.
Coastal water quality
Recent monthly monitoring conducted between January and March 2026 shows that coastal water quality remains within recommended guidelines and that the outfalls are not impacting on the recreational water quality standards at our beaches.
During this period, 477 seawater samples were collected around the three outfalls as part of ongoing monitoring. More than 98% of samples complied with guideline limits, confirming that natural ocean processes continue to effectively dilute and disperse treated effluent as designed. A small number of exceedances (approximately 1,7%) were recorded, mainly within the immediate mixing zones along way offshore and close to the outfall discharge points, where occasional elevated readings are expected.
For further oversight, additional sampling was undertaken at the edges of mixing zones during the summer period to validate dispersion performance under peak conditions.
Outfalls remain stable and reliable
All three marine outfalls remained fully operational during the reporting period, with no environmental incidents recorded.
Monitoring indicates that marine conditions remain stable and well oxygenated, while infrastructure continues to perform as designed.
Effluent compliance remains high
Internal City laboratory results and independently audited external laboratory results show strong overall compliance with permit limits:
- Camps Bay: 91,9% (City samples), 98,5% (Auditor samples)
- Green Point: 88,1% (City samples), 100% (Auditor samples)
- Hout Bay: 96,8% (City samples), 100% (Auditor samples)
‘We recognise the importance of maintaining public confidence through transparent reporting and continuous improvement. The latest results confirm that the marine outfalls are operating as required, while monitoring continues to be strengthened and infrastructure upgrades are under way,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Refurbishment programme and long-term solutions under way
Work to upgrade and strengthen marine outfall infrastructure is progressing in both the medium and long term. The refurbishment contract commenced on 14 January 2026, with a construction work permit issued on 16 April 2026. Approval of detailed contractor designs for pumps, screening systems and odour control is currently in progress, after which procurement and installation will follow. Civil works and waterproofing repairs at the Camps Bay facility have also commenced.
In parallel, long-term treatment solutions are being explored. More than 60 potential options have been assessed and narrowed down to nine viable scenarios, supported by the development of a decision-support tool to guide further refinement.
Feasibility studies are well progressed, with scoping completed and overall feasibility approximately 75% complete. A final feasibility report is expected by September 2026, after which implementation will be guided by environmental approvals and budget processes.
Planned future phases include the introduction of full-scale biological treatment processes, including activated sludge bioreactors and sludge management systems, followed by advanced treatment to address contaminants of emerging concern.
The implementation of long-term options will depend on the outcome of the feasibility study, environmental authorisations as well as available budget.
‘The Permit Advisory Forum remains an important platform for oversight on marine outfalls. The latest findings not only confirm compliance but also demonstrate a continued commitment to strengthening scientific monitoring and ensuring accountability,’ said Councillor Alex Lansdowne, Deputy Chairperson of the Section 80 Advisory Committee.
Caption 1: Sven Sötemann, Manager: Wastewater Treatment Branch in the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, provides an update on the City’s marine outfalls permit requirements.
Caption 2: (From left to right): Councillor Carolynne Franklyn, Councillor Izabel Sherry, Councillor Richard Hilland and Deputy Mayor, Alderman Eddie Andrews, engaging with the content presented at the Permit Advisory Forum.
Caption 3: Deputy Mayor, Alderman Eddie Andrews and Councillor Alex Lansdowne (middle) with members of the public participating in the Permit Advisory Forum, City representatives and members of the independent monitoring group.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
