Pollution / Sewage / Stench Situation at Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island 2024
Latest Updates of Media Coverage on the Current Water / Sewage Problems in Milnerton
Download PDF Research Reports : Diep River / Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Poor / Substandard Wastewater Management : City of Cape Town
Pollution, Sewage and Stench: Milnerton Lagoon / Diep River / Woodbridge IslandIt is still very disappointing to report here on my Vernon Chalmers Photography website that I am as alarmed with the ongoing wastewater pollution, sewage and stench situation around the Milnerton Lagoon / Diep River / Woodbridge Island residential / natural ecosystem environment as everybody else around here (and further afield).
Declining Bird Species: Diep River, Milnerton Lagoon and Woodbridge Island
As an avid local bird photographer that lives near the Diep River, Milnerton I started observing less and less active bird species between the (then) old wooden bridge at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town - and as far as the daily / weekly hikes went - the
Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island (opposite Milnerton High). A definite shift in bird behaviour occurred since 2017 where up to a daily average of 35 - to 40 species could be easily observed on any 'good light' photography morning. Since then the average daily species decreased on some days to less than 70 - 80% of the 2016 / 1017 daily statistics. I even encounter one morning (during 2022) with so little bird activity that I used my mobile phone out of
boredom to capture an image of
Table Mountain (over the Diep River) - from my usual location where I have photographed an abundance of bird species since 2013. Something I have
never done before while out birding.
Please Note: Above Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island image is for geographical location purpose only. This Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island image was photographed quite a few years ago.
A sunny morning with no birds along the Diep River / Woodbridge Island >>
I have seen the deteriorating bird life to such an extend that no birds are perched or in-flight for relatively long time periods (20 to 30 minutes) anywhere along the lagoon or river. Generally here are between 20 to 40 different species continuously active on any given sunny morning. Those days are unfortunately (due to the City of Cape Town dragging their feet and / or perhaps incompetence) long gone...
"The Milnerton Lagoon is perhaps Cape Town's most polluted waterways with multiple fish die-offs, sewage spills, a persisting stench in the area and health risks affecting residents as a result of the ongoing pollution of the Diep River and lagoon." Daily Maverick
The pied kingfisher above was photographed a few years ago when the water (and marine life) of the Diep River / Woodbridge Island was still part of a clean and healthy natural ecosystem.
Current Pollution / Sewage / Stench Situation, Milnerton
During some of my walks from the Woodbridge Island bridges along the Diep River towards the Table Bay Nature Reserve entrance (opposite Milnerton High) and deeper into the reserve I sometimes see less than 10 birds (+- 10 minute hike). I've witnessed this deterioration since early 2018.
Sewage Pollution and Stench in (from) the Diep River, Milnerton
I reside in Arnhem which is directly opposite the Milnerton Lagoon (Woodbridge Island) / Diep River and am just as concerned as all other Milnerton residents / associated stakeholders with regard to the poor wastewater / sewage management of this ongoing (and stinking) problem.
© Vernon Chalmers
Rethink the Stink Website : Responsible Management of Wastewater
Safe, clean water is a basic human right enshrined in our constitution. Taking care of our water resources is a shared responsibility.Visit https://rethinkthestink.co.za
# ReThinkTheStink Facebook Group
Join / Visit the # ReThinkTheStink Facebook Group to learn more about this ongoing pollution and sewage problem in the Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island.
"No measure is in place to contain the spill into the lagoon. A real basic solution that isn't working which is frustrating. Things that could be done don't seem to be treated with the urgency they deserve."- Caroline Marx, Rethink The Stink (March 2024)
The 'Sewage Problems at Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island' page on my photography website is a small contribution to assist Caroline Marx and her team over at # ReThinkTheStink for the excellent work they are doing to keep the City in check / and demanding better living conditions for all around the estuary et al. They are doing some exceptional activism for substantial ecological change...
Dr Zahid Badroodien - MMC Water and Sanitation - City of Cape Town Facebook Page Updated Article / Media Links of the current Milnerton Sewage / Pollution / Stench Situation
2024 Sewage / Pollution Situation : Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
City to spend R5,317bn on massive water and sanitation investments City of Cape Town
2023 Sewage / Pollution Situation : Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Occurrence and Ecotoxicological Effects of Microplastics in the Diep River, Milnerton, Cape Town - Asmat Begum Khan Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree: Master of Environmental Management Cape Peninsula University of Technology PDF Download CPUT
Stench at Milnerton Lagoon returns ‘due to old pipelines’ TygerBurger
It’s Code Red on the Water Quality of Beaches around Cape Town ahead of peak holiday season Daily Maverick
Milnerton lagoon low water levels a good sign of its restoration IOL
Chronic Water Pollution at Lagoon Beach, Milnerton Woodbridge Island Tabletalk
FNB Beach Clean-up Initiative takes to KZN and WC beaches Two Oceans Aquarium
Construction starts on Phase 2 of City of Cape Town’s Milnerton bulk sewer upgrade project Engineering News
Activists applaud Milnerton Bulk Sewer upgrade TygerBurger
Construction begins to upgrade Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works TygerBurger
Potsdam wastewater works upgrade breaks ground Engineering News
Reviving the Milnerton Lagoon: Cape Town’s Plan to Restore a Natural Resource Cape Town Today
Milnerton Lagoon Update: Cape Town takes bold steps toward restoration Politely
City of Cape Town finally launches project to restore heavily polluted Milnerton Lagoon environment Daily Maverick
Glorious morning along the Diep River, Woodbridge Island Vernon Chalmers Photography
Beaches cleaned: Cross-country campaign to end soon TygerBurger
Coast to Coast beach clean-up kicks off in Milnerton TygerBurger
R1,2bn for Upgrades: City of Cape Town’s budget caters for better beach facilities and vleis TygerBurger
Restoring the ecological health of Cape Town’s waterways – one vlei at a time (Potsdam WWTW). Urban Water Management The Water Wheel PDF Download
Lack of clean-up crews cited for increased piles of waste washing ashore popular Cape Town beaches TygerBurger
Piles of waste wash out on Cape beaches after recent rains IOL
Astron spill causes havoc: Birds and other wildlife affected (towards Woodbridge Island) News 24
Lagoon progress ‘slow’: City of Cape Town engage with public at stakeholders meeting News24
Residents raise alarm on health risks of Milnerton environment IOL
City Of Cape Town Accused Of Reporting False Pollution Levels at Milnerton Lagoon EWN
Milnerton Lagoon Update: Steady progress on Potsdam underway DA Western Cape
Milnerton / Table View : Path cleared for sewage plant upgrade Tabletalk
Milnerton Lagoon stench: City makes progress as tender appeals dismissed News24
Milnerton Lagoon still closed as more tests detect high levels of e.Coli News24
Restoring wetlands critical for biodiversity and sustainable development News24
Cape Town’s beaches are dirtier than they seem GroundUp
City of Cape Town lambasted for load shedding blame game IOL
2022 Sewage / Pollution Situation : Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Festive bathers poo-poo Cape Town's Lagoon Beach sewage warnings News24
Understanding the social in a social-ecological system: A perceptions study on the Diep River estuary, Cape Town - Carly Wise. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree: Master of Philosophy in Environment, Society and Sustainability Faculty of Science University of Cape Town
PDF Download Open UCT
Milnerton Lagoon Update: Provincial Directives to City on Milnerton Lagoon turning the tide against pollution Democratic Alliance
City of Cape Town warns of further sewage spills due to lengthy power cuts MG
Drinking water boost in pipeline R2,3 billion investment to prioritise water security CoCI
Cape Town - The situation at the Milnerton Lagoon has worsened again. IOL
City outlines plans to restore Milnerton Lagoon Tabletalk
Interventions to help tackle pollution at Milnerton Lagoon Smile FM
Remedial work at Potsdam ‘ongoing’ as interventions aim to address lagoon's stench News24
Milnerton Lagoon stench: City plans R5bn Upgrade To Wastewater Treatment Plant News24
DA calls on residents to send submissions for Milnerton Lagoon Remediation plan IOL
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says restoring health of Milnerton Lagoon is not optional IOL
People living around Milnerton Lagoon bemoan slow action to clean up sewage MG
Milnerton / Woodbridge Island residents still waiting for foul wastewater stench solution IOL
Rethinking the stink: Strategies suggested to fix ‘disaster’ at Milnerton Lagoon News24
Sewage pollution blamed for fish die-off at the Milnerton Lagoon Cape Town Etc
Fish die-off in polluted Milnerton lagoon GroundUp
Stink over Milnerton Lagoon funding IOL
City of Cape Town lambasted over Milnerton Lagoon stink and ecosystem collapse IOLDraft estuary plan, a step in the right direction for Milnerton Lagoon pollution DA
Rising Milnerton stench is hitting residents hard News24
The big stink about Milnerton Lagoon CapeTalkSmell from Potsdam leaves residents gasping Online TendersMilnerton residents ‘sick’ of lagoon stench IOL
Milnerton Lagoon suffers yet another sewage spill IOL
Frequent discharge of 'poorly treated effluent' into Milnerton Lagoon, Diep River a concern IOL Locals suspect fish-die off linked to Milnerton Lagoon's 'highly polluted water' CapeTalk
Dead fish investigated (Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island) TygerBurgerSewage spills blamed for fish die-off at Milnerton Lagoon Daily Maverick
City of Cape Town probes cause of fish die-off in Milnerton Lagoon News24
Drought, Water Management, and Social Equity: Analysing Cape Town, South Africa's Water Crisis Frontiers in Water
The impact of informal settlement on water quality of Diep River in Dunoon Springer Link
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| Fresh Water Effective Wastewater Management : Free Image Pixabay |
2021 (and earlier) Sewage / Pollution Situation : Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Toxic sewage spill causes a stink at Milnerton lagoon / Woodbridge Island IOLCall for urgent investigation into Milnerton Lagoon 'sewage spill' IOL
City of Cape Town falling short of directive to clean up Milnerton Lagoon Ground Up
Polluted Milnerton lagoon “particularly disgusting” Ground Up
Enough is enough on Milnerton pollution OUTA
Contaminated Joe Slovo stormwater continues to pour into Milnerton Lagoon CapeTalk
OUTA: ‘City is responsible for sewage polluting Milnerton lagoon’ Infrastructure News
City of Cape Town pollutes its own nature reserve, monthly water tests reveal News24
We won't take this sh!t anymore, says Milnerton Magster
Green Scorpions order City of Cape Town to sort out pollution in Milnerton Lagoon CBN
‘Clean the Lagoon now’ Milnerton Central Residents Association (MCRA) Network24
Impact of informal settlement on the water quality of Diep River in Dunoon - Gqomfa, BabalwaThesis (Master of Environmental Management) Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2020
PDF Download CPUTSomething rotten in Table View (2019) Tabletalk
Water governance and justice in Cape Town: An overview (2019) WIRE's WATER Long-Term Physical, Chemical and Biological Changes in a Small, Urban Estuary: M Viskich, CL Griffiths, C Erasmus & S Lamberth 2016 African Journal of Marine Science PDF Document Download
Milnerton Lagoon 'a shadow of former self' IOL
Long-Term Changes in a Small, Urban Estuary - Michal Viskich Research project submitted for the degree of BSc (Hons), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town (2014)
PDF Download Open UCT
Institutional arrangements for the use of treated effluent in irrigation, Western Cape, South Africa (2014) Taylor and Francis Online
Power Outages and their Impact on South Africa’s Water and Wastewater Sectors (David Winter 2011) Water Research Commission
Metal contamination of soils collected from four different sites along the lower Diep River, Cape Town, South Africa Ayeni, O. O., Ndakidemi, P. A., Snyman, R. G. and Odendaal, J. P. (2010) Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
ResearchGate
Milnerton Beach off Woodbridge Island - Forum discussion (2008) Sealine
Rietvlei Under Stress (2007) Friends of Rietvlei Newsletter
Sewage Plant to Investigate Milnerton Lagoon Pong (2004) Cape Argus
Water Resources Management Plan in the Diep River Catchment: A Situation Assessment (2002) "This document gives a description of situation assessment on water resource quality of the Diep River Catchment. The study originated from a request by the Regional Office, Western Cape of Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), to the Institute of Water Quality Studies (IWQS) in 1997.
The main objective of this report is to provide a situational assessment of the water quality, quantity and the aquatic ecosystem health of the surface, ground and coastal waters of the Diep River Catchment. This study is aimed not only at the Western Cape regional office, but it can be used for a wide readership by the catchment management agencies in the area, interested parties (e.g. salinasation issues in the Western Cape) and decision makers, as an input into catchment management plan for example."
PDF Source: Water Resources Management Plan in the Diep River Catchment: A Situation Assessment : N/G210/REQ/1200 Department of Water and Sanitation Republic of South Africa Report
The possible impacts of sea-level rise on the Diep River/Rietvlei system, Cape Town Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town / CSIR Stellenbosch (1993) PDF Download CSIR ResearchSpace
Reasons for River Water Sewage Pollution Conditions
"River water sewage pollution can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Urbanization: Rapid urbanization often leads to increased sewage discharge into rivers. As cities grow, the sewage infrastructure may not be able to keep pace with the population growth, resulting in untreated or partially treated sewage being released into rivers.
- Lack of Infrastructure: Inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure, particularly in developing countries, can contribute to river water pollution. Without proper treatment facilities, sewage is often directly discharged into rivers.
- Industrial Discharges: Industries may release untreated or inadequately treated wastewater into rivers, containing pollutants such as heavy metals, chemicals, and organic compounds. This industrial discharge can severely degrade water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems.
- Agricultural Runoff: Agricultural activities contribute to river pollution through the runoff of fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste. These pollutants can enter waterways during rainfall events, leading to nutrient enrichment, algal blooms, and oxygen depletion.
- Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs): In some urban areas, stormwater and sewage are carried in the same pipes. During heavy rainfall or snowmelt, these combined sewer systems can become overwhelmed, leading to the discharge of untreated sewage directly into rivers and streams.
- Illegal Dumping: Illegal dumping of waste, including sewage, directly into rivers can occur due to inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations or lack of awareness about proper waste disposal methods.
- Leaking Sewage Infrastructure: Aging or poorly maintained sewage infrastructure can result in leaks or breaks, allowing raw sewage to seep into the surrounding soil and eventually enter nearby water bodies.
- Population Growth: Increasing population puts pressure on existing sewage systems, leading to higher volumes of wastewater being discharged into rivers without adequate treatment.
- Lack of Awareness and Education: Limited awareness among the public about the importance of proper sewage disposal and the consequences of water pollution can also contribute to the problem. Education campaigns and community outreach are essential for promoting responsible environmental behavior.
Addressing river water sewage pollution requires a combination of infrastructure improvements, regulatory measures, public awareness campaigns, and sustainable agricultural and industrial practices." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)
Effect of Pollution on Bird Species
"Pollution can have profound and often detrimental effects on bird species and their habitats. Here are some specific ways pollution can impact birds:
- Direct Toxicity: Birds may ingest or absorb pollutants directly from contaminated food, water, or air. Substances like heavy metals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and oil can poison birds, leading to sickness, reproductive failure, or death.
- Bioaccumulation: Some pollutants accumulate in the environment and food chain, becoming more concentrated as they move up the food chain. Birds may consume contaminated prey or plants, leading to the accumulation of toxins in their bodies over time. This can lead to chronic health problems and reproductive issues.
- Habitat Degradation: Pollution can degrade habitats critical for birds' survival, such as wetlands, forests, and coastal areas. For example, water pollution from agricultural runoff or industrial discharge can contaminate wetland ecosystems, reducing food availability and nesting sites for waterfowl and shorebirds.
- Reproductive Impacts: Certain pollutants can interfere with birds' reproductive success. For instance, pesticides like DDT have been linked to thinning eggshells in birds like eagles and falcons, leading to decreased hatching success and population declines.
- Disruption of Migration: Pollution can disrupt birds' migratory routes and stopover sites. Light pollution from urban areas can disorient migratory birds, causing them to collide with buildings or become exhausted. Chemical pollutants can also affect birds' navigational abilities or reduce the availability of suitable stopover habitats.
- Altered Food Web Dynamics: Pollution can disrupt food webs, affecting the availability of prey species for birds. For example, pesticides can reduce insect populations, which are important food sources for many bird species, leading to declines in bird populations that rely on insects for food.
- Oil Spills: Oil spills pose a significant threat to seabirds, coating their feathers and impairing their ability to fly, regulate body temperature, and find food. Oil contamination can also lead to poisoning if birds ingest oil while preening.
These impacts can result in population declines, habitat loss, and ecosystem disruption, ultimately threatening the survival of bird species. Efforts to mitigate pollution and its effects on birds include regulatory measures, habitat restoration, pollution cleanup efforts, and public education campaigns to promote environmental stewardship." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)
Effective Wastewater Management
Effective wastewater management is crucial for environmental sustainability and public health. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Treatment Processes: Implementing efficient treatment processes is essential to remove contaminants from wastewater before it is released back into the environment. This may include physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods to remove solids, pathogens, and pollutants.
- Infrastructure Development: Building and maintaining adequate infrastructure for collecting, treating, and disposing of wastewater is vital. This includes sewer systems, treatment plants, and facilities for sludge management.
- Reuse and Recycling: Promoting the reuse and recycling of treated wastewater can help conserve water resources and reduce the strain on freshwater sources. Treated wastewater can be used for irrigation, industrial processes, and even indirect potable reuse with proper treatment.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Establishing and enforcing regulations related to wastewater management is important to ensure compliance and protect the environment and public health. Regulations may cover discharge standards, monitoring requirements, and penalties for non-compliance.
- Public Awareness and Education: Educating the public about the importance of proper wastewater management, water conservation, and pollution prevention can encourage responsible behavior and support for wastewater infrastructure investments.
- Technological Innovation: Investing in research and development of innovative technologies for wastewater treatment and resource recovery can lead to more efficient and sustainable wastewater management practices.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration between government agencies, industries, communities, and other stakeholders is essential for addressing complex wastewater management challenges. Partnerships can facilitate knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and coordinated action.
- Monitoring and Assessment: Regular monitoring and assessment of water quality, treatment processes, and environmental impacts are necessary to identify issues, track progress, and make informed decisions for continuous improvement.
- Climate Resilience: Considering the potential impacts of climate change on water availability and wastewater infrastructure is crucial for building resilience and adapting management strategies to changing conditions.
- Financial Resources: Adequate funding and financing mechanisms are necessary to support the development, operation, and maintenance of wastewater infrastructure and services.
By addressing these aspects comprehensively, communities can achieve effective wastewater management that protects the environment, public health, and water resources for future generations. (Source: ChatGPT 2024)
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| Fresh Water: Effective Wastewater Management - Free Image Pixabay |
Recommendations for Effective Wastewater Management
"Source Control: Implement source control measures to minimize the generation of pollutants at their origin. This could involve industrial process modifications, use of eco-friendly products, and public awareness campaigns to reduce the discharge of harmful substances into the wastewater stream.
- Investment in Infrastructure: Continuously invest in the development, maintenance, and upgrade of wastewater treatment infrastructure, including sewage systems, treatment plants, and pumping stations. Ensure that these facilities are equipped to handle current and future wastewater volumes effectively.
- Treatment Optimization: Utilize advanced treatment technologies and optimization strategies to enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes. This may include the use of biological treatment methods, chemical coagulation, filtration, and disinfection to remove contaminants from wastewater to acceptable levels before discharge.
- Decentralized Treatment Systems: Implement decentralized wastewater treatment systems in areas where centralized infrastructure is not feasible or cost-effective. These systems, such as constructed wetlands, septic tanks, and decentralized treatment plants, can help treat wastewater at or near the point of generation.
- Reuse and Resource Recovery: Promote the reuse of treated wastewater for beneficial purposes such as irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater recharge. Additionally, explore opportunities for resource recovery from wastewater, including the extraction of energy, nutrients, and valuable materials like phosphorus and metals.
- Green Infrastructure: Integrate green infrastructure solutions, such as rain gardens, permeable pavements, and vegetated swales, into urban planning and development to manage stormwater runoff and reduce the burden on wastewater treatment systems.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: Establish comprehensive monitoring and surveillance programs to assess the quality of wastewater, track pollutant loads, and identify emerging contaminants. This data can inform decision-making processes and facilitate timely interventions to address water quality issues.
- Public Education and Participation: Engage with the public through education campaigns, workshops, and community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of proper wastewater management, water conservation practices, and pollution prevention measures.
- Policy and Regulation: Enact and enforce stringent regulations, standards, and permitting requirements for wastewater discharge to protect water resources and public health. Regularly review and update regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements and emerging contaminants.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Foster collaboration among government agencies, water utilities, industry stakeholders, academia, and non-profit organizations to leverage expertise, resources, and innovative solutions for sustainable wastewater management.
By adopting a holistic approach that integrates technological, regulatory, educational, and community-based strategies, communities can effectively manage wastewater while safeguarding human health and the environment." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)
Community Needs for Effective Wastewater Management
Effective wastewater management is crucial for maintaining public health, protecting the environment, and ensuring sustainable development. Here are some key community needs for effective wastewater management:
- Infrastructure: Communities need well-designed and properly maintained wastewater treatment facilities. This includes sewage treatment plants, collection systems (sewers), and drainage systems.
- Education and Awareness: Community members need to understand the importance of proper wastewater management and their role in it. Educational programs can teach residents about the impacts of wastewater on public health and the environment, as well as proper disposal practices.
- Regulation and Enforcement: Strong regulations and enforcement mechanisms are necessary to ensure that industries and individuals comply with wastewater treatment standards. This includes monitoring wastewater discharges and enforcing penalties for non-compliance.
- Investment: Adequate funding is essential for building and maintaining wastewater infrastructure. Governments, businesses, and international organizations may need to invest in wastewater treatment facilities, especially in developing countries where infrastructure is lacking.
- Technological Innovation: Research and development are needed to improve wastewater treatment technologies, making them more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
- Community Engagement: Communities should be actively involved in the decision-making process regarding wastewater management. This can include public consultations, citizen science initiatives, and community-based monitoring programs.
- Resource Recovery: Wastewater contains valuable resources such as nutrients, energy, and water. Communities can benefit from recovering and reusing these resources through techniques like nutrient recovery, biogas production, and water recycling.
- Climate Resilience: Wastewater management systems need to be resilient to climate change impacts such as increased rainfall, flooding, and sea-level rise. This may involve upgrading infrastructure, implementing green infrastructure solutions, and improving disaster preparedness.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Effective wastewater management requires collaboration across different sectors including government agencies, private companies, NGOs, and academic institutions. Partnerships can facilitate knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and joint problem-solving.
- Equity and Social Justice: Wastewater management should be equitable and inclusive, ensuring that all members of the community have access to safe and affordable sanitation services. This may involve addressing issues of affordability, accessibility, and social discrimination.
By addressing these community needs, policymakers, planners, and stakeholders can work together to implement effective wastewater management strategies that protect public health, safeguard the environment, and promote sustainable development." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)
