The study, conducted under Project Blue in late 2024, flagged potential sewage contamination at beaches like Camps Bay and Strand as per TravelNews.
Researchers are said to have detected bacteria such as E. coli and enterococci in water samples, raising concerns about health risks for beachgoers.
The scientists described their methods as aligned with international standards and emphasised that the initiative aimed to provide a preliminary assessment of water safety.
However, City officials disputed the study’s credibility.
Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews dismissed the findings as ‘misleading,’ highlighting the City’s own data showing consistently safe water quality at 30 beaches during the festive season.
The City criticised Project Blue’s reliance on E. coli measurements and questioned the accreditation of its laboratories.
The researchers, in turn, accused the City of deflecting from systemic challenges like outdated sewerage systems and marine outfalls. While acknowledging the study’s limited scope, they stressed the need for further investigation to protect public health.
Also read:
Study reveals worrying contamination of water at Cape Town beaches
Picture: Ziyaad Douglas / Gallo Images
Words: Tsoku Maela/Getaway
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