The City of Cape Town has temporarily closed the Zandvlei water area to the public. Thus, no recreational water activities will be allowed in the Zandvlei Nature Reserve as from today, Friday 4 October 2019. This is a precautionary measure following water quality tests.

The closure only applies to recreational activities in the Zandvlei water area, including fishing. Access to the land section of the reserve and other visitor facilities in the area remain open to members of the public.

Water quality sampling was undertaken after a recent sewage spill that entered the Zandvlei Nature Reserve water body. Given the results, and as a precautionary measure, the City decided to temporarily close the water body for recreational use until further notice.

The test results showed high levels of faecal coliforms (Escherichia coli) within the water body, which indicates an elevated risk to human health. Members of the public are advised to avoid all contact with the water until these levels stabilise within national recreational water use guidelines. Please note that pets should also be kept from entering or drinking the water as a precaution.

The City will continue to monitor the water quality. In the meantime, signage has been erected advising visitors to the water body to exercise caution. Members of the public will be informed once the affected area is safe again for recreational use.

The City apologises for any inconvenience caused as a result of the closure of the water area. We thank members of the public in advance for their cooperation during this period.

Source: City Of Cape Town