The City of Cape Town (COCT) confirmed that their Water and Sanitation Department is currently attending to the pump station at the Camps Bay Marine Outfall which experienced pump failure on Friday 4 February.
The COCT said in a statement, the Camps Bay Beach, Glen Beach and Maidens Cove Tidal Pools will be closed to the public.
“Water samples will be taken at all locations to monitor the pollution. The beaches will reopen only when water sampling indicates a return to normal levels. Once pumping to the sea starts the beaches are expected to be closed for at least two to three days,” the statement said.
The City said, signage will be erected in the area at both beaches and the tidal pools, advising the public of the situation.
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The statement further indicated that it is suspected that the cause of the failure of the two main pumps at the Camps Bay Marine Outfall could be related to an electrical fault resulting from the frequent power outages.
“The Water and Sanitation Department team is addressing the pump failure and will do a full assessment as to the root cause thereof.
“The teams have attempted to use vacuum trucks. Due to the huge volume, the sewage will have to be discharged from the pump station out to sea as a temporary measure,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, residents and businesses in the Camps Bay area and surrounding are requested to reduce their generation of wastewater by reducing the utilisation of washing machines and dishwashers and to only flush their toilets when necessary until further notification is issued.
Residents are also advised that the beaches and tidal pools will remain closed until further notice.
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