Non-toxic green algae is currently present in the Milnerton Lagoon and the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is still investigating the possible source(s) of this algal bloom.
Even though there are no blue-green algae present in the lagoon, harmful algal blooms are an ongoing threat, particularly in the vleis and water bodies (such as the Milnerton Lagoon) which are in nutrient rich situations and are exposed to hot weather. The lagoon’s water quality will continue to be monitored.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien said that they have created a list of possible pollution sources for the catchment, and the directorate is closely monitoring all pollution sources. In addition to this, regular water quality sampling and physical inspections of the infrastructure are conducted.
The concentration of algae can vary due to factors that can influence their growth through a range of possible sources. As a precautionary approach, the City has installed additional warning signs over the weekend to remind residents that the Milnerton Lagoon is closed to the public.
“The Milnerton Lagoon is not suitable for recreational use and signage to inform the public as such has been in place at the lagoon for several years now,” the City says.
The City’s Biodiversity Management Branch will continuously monitor the lagoon to see if there is any impact on wildlife and fish.
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