It 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).
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 my frequent birding photography hikes around the
Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island (opposite Milnerton High).
A definite shift in bird behaviour: before 2017 a daily average of 35 - to 40 species were 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 observed species. On one beautiful summer morning during 2022 there with 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 decline in active birdlife to such an extend with very few perched or in-flight birds for relatively long time periods (20 to 30 minutes) anywhere along the lagoon or river (around the Woodbridge Island-area).
Water / Pollution Problems at Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island, Cape Town
"The Milnerton Lagoon and Woodbridge Island area have been experiencing significant sewage problems.
1 2 The issues are primarily due to the Potsdam wastewater treatment plant not having the capacity to manage the load from the increasingly populated city. This has resulted in an overflow of effluent and sewage spills into stormwater drains that eventually end up in the lagoon
1.
Residents in the area have been complaining about a stench from the polluted lagoon, which has raised health and safety concerns
1. The foul smell is also affecting property values and limiting recreational activities
1. The Milnerton Canoe Club is under threat of closure as recreational activities are not permitted in the lagoon
1.
In response to these issues, the City of Cape Town is planning a R5 billion upgrade to the Potsdam wastewater treatment plant
1. The upgrade will increase the plant’s capacity from treating 47 million litres of wastewater per day to 100 million litres per day
1. The project has reached the end of the procurement phase, and mechanical and civil tenders have been awarded
1.
However, the upgrade will take a few years, and in the meantime, the City has implemented some short-term measures
1. Despite these efforts, residents have reported that the stench at the Milnerton Lagoon has returned due to old pipelines
2. There have been approximately 11 collapses on the existing 900 mm diameter fibre cement sewer pipeline on Montague Drive since August 21
2.
These sewage problems have had a significant impact on the local environment. Two fish die-offs in the Milnerton lagoon last year were caused by rapid algae growth in the sewage-polluted estuary
3. The pollution is also causing adverse health symptoms in nearby residents and devastating the previously recovering Diep River/Milnerton Lagoon estuary ecosystem
2." (Source: Microsoft Copilot 2024)
"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.
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 (+- 1 to 2 hours photography hike). I've witnessed this deterioration since early 2018.
© Vernon Chalmers
Encouraging Update from the City of Cape Town - Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis (22 Aug. 2024)
"Our Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works upgrade is coming along nicely, having just received all new “belt presses”!
This upgrade will greatly improve sewage treatment capacity and quality in the whole North Coast part of the city." - Geordin Hill-Lewis
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...
Kubeka Construction / Bio-Air System
Kubeka Construction is currently also involved in the Milnerton Lagoon / Diep River Rehabilitation project with their Bio-Air System for assisting with solving the ongoing sewage problems facing our immediate natural and socio-economic environments.
Read more
Dr Zahid Badroodien - MMC Water and Sanitation - City of Cape Town Facebook Page
Updated Article / Media Links of the current Milnerton Pollution / Water Situation
2024 Water Quality / Pollution Situation : Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island
Milnerton Lagoon sees progress in pollution control, City presents updates News24City intensifies efforts to clean Diep River and Milnerton Lagoon pollution Netwerk24
Milnerton Lagoon’s battle against pollution: A call to action for cleaner beaches TygerBurgerKnowledge Hub for “contaminants of emerging concern.” Eartnews365
Otter Leads the Charge in Vlei upgrade Tabletalk
The Otter Weed Harvester: A Breakthrough in Eco-friendly Water Management Cape Town Today
Vote YES FOR A PLASTIC POLLUTION-FREE FUTURE! WWF
City to spend R5,317bn on massive water and sanitation investments City of Cape Town
Bayside Canal set for R87,5 million upgrade to improve Rietvlei water quality TygerBurger
100 discarded nappies found during a routine beach clean-up at Milnerton Lagoon News24CoCT on Milnerton Lagoon waste spillage: 'It's a very difficult problem to solve.' EWN
What measures have City of Cape Town put in place to address issues at Milnerton Lagoon? Cape Talk
Milnerton Lagoon: 'No basic measures in place' to contain stink Primedia+
Table View and Milnerton streets of sewage TygerBurger
Table View East Pump Station, The pump station is currently unable to cope with the high volumes of flow running through the system Dr Zahid Badroodien - MMC Water and Sanitation - City of Cape Town
2023 Water / 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 The Milnerton Lagoon: the interplay between wastewater management, energy supply, and the environment Utrecht UniversityChronic 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
National Government mulls action against City over Milnerton Lagoon pollution IOL
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 Water / 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) Water / 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
Cape Town Nature Reserves A Network of Amazing Biodiversity (and Challenges) PDF Download City of Cape Town
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 PDF Download Regional Office, Western Cape of Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF)
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 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)
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:
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)
