Camps Bay has recently faced misinformation on social media regarding its water quality, leading to concerns among residents and visitors.
However, the latest water quality sampling results, analysed independently by the SABS Laboratory, present a reassuring picture.
Samples taken on Friday, 19 January, and released on Monday evening refute the claims circulating on social media, confirming that Camps Bay’s water quality remains excellent.
Camps Bay, known for its Blue Flag status, is a prominent destination for locals and tourists. The ongoing water sampling, conducted weekly as part of the Blue Flag programme, consistently reveals excellent water quality, contradicting the misleading information circulated on social media.
The misinformation, propagated by a social media user, suggested that lighter patches along the shoreline at Camps Bay and Green Point indicated sewage contamination.
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In response, the City undertook an open and transparent water quality sampling test at Camps Bay, including the white discoloured area and off Granger Bay. Representatives from the Camps Bay community, an independent civil engineer and an independent marine scientist were invited to witness the sampling process.
Results from the independent SABS Laboratory, received on Monday, 22 January, affirmed the excellent water quality at Camps Bay.
The City’s deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, emphasised that the white colouration observed is not caused by human pollution but is likely due to calcium carbonate leaching from the beach and nearshore environment.
Alderman Andrews urged the public to be cautious about misinformation spread by certain social media accounts.
The City’s latest coastal water quality sampling results, including those for Camps Bay, are accessible on their website.
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Picture: Ryan Cuerden / Unsplash
