The Milnerton Central Residents’ Association and the City of Cape Town have assured residents that the recent low water levels in Milnerton Lagoon are not a cause for concern.
This update comes after several residents expressed unease upon observing the diminished water levels at low tide.
The City of Cape Town clarified that the lagoon’s current state is a direct result of the heavy rains and flooding experienced in September. These conditions led to the complete erosion of the sandbank at the mouth of the lagoon, impacting various parts of Cape Town, including the lagoon itself.
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According to TygerBurger, Caroline Marx, the head of the environmental portfolio for the residents’ association, considers the low water levels a positive indication.
She explained that, at low tide, the lagoon holds little to no water, but at high tide, it sees a refreshing flush of water. This natural ebb and flow has welcomed back diverse wildlife, including birds, seals and fish, signifying a healthier ecosystem.
Marx’s enthusiasm was evident in a recent Facebook post, celebrating the return of marine life to the lagoon.
‘The erosion of the sandbank at the Lagoon Mouth means the water level at low tide is lower, but that far cleaner seawater is flooding into the Lagoon at high tide. Nature has a wonderful ability to recover if pollution is stopped at its source,’ she said.
Resident Bernadine Jansen initially feared that the low water levels indicated poor water quality.
‘I have to say I thought our lagoon was totally lost due to the pollution,’ she admits. However, these concerns have been alleviated by the recent explanations.
Zahid Badroodien, the City’s mayco member for water and sanitation, emphasised the City’s dedication to restoring the lagoon’s health. A comprehensive action plan, encompassing both short-term and long-term strategies, has been developed to tackle urban pollution in the lagoon.
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Eddie Andrews, the City’s mayco member for spatial planning and environment, also shed light on the natural processes at play:
‘This resulted in sediment on the estuary floor being flushed out to sea,’ he said. ‘The flushing that took place, together with the spring lows that have occurred, may be attributed to the current change in the system. This greater tidal variation should be welcomed as it indicates a much healthier and more functional estuary mouth, with the greater intrusion of healthy seawater at high tide reaching further into the system and bringing beneficial oxygen levels.’
At a quarterly meeting in September, the City updated the community on various initiatives to enhance the lagoon’s water quality. These include significant improvements at the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works and the installation of litter traps.
The City also plans extensive sewerage and stormwater infrastructure upgrades, with several major projects already in progress.
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Picture: Shaun Meintjes / Unsplash
