GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route Dam Action Group (Gardag) has warned local canoeists, anglers and other water sport lovers to be extra careful in the Kat River as there is evidence of alarmingly high contamination levels of the water. The Kat River feeds into the Garden Route Dam.
Two recent samples taken by Gardag near the Eden pump station reveal an abnormally high E. coli presence - almost four times the allowed maximum for contact sport.
The lab test results show a reading of 3 900 E. coli, while the maximum allowed is 1 000 E. coli per 100 ml for safe contact sport, says Gardag chairperson Desiree du Preez.
A high E.coli presence was also found at the dam wall where recreation use is high.
"For several years, Gardag has been highly concerned about the state of the rivers in the George district and embarked on a monitoring project. We participated in the water monitoring drive by Outa in support of World Water Monitoring Day on 18 September, to determine the state of South African waters, and Outa provided Gardag with a water monitoring kit designed for this purpose."
Du Preez said about two months ago, Gardag requested George Municipality to upgrade the main sewer line from Denneoord to the Eden sewage pump station as they suspected that this section of the infrastructure is being loaded beyond its capacity.
"We surmise that this may be resulting in pipe-bursts or other overflows into the Kat River. The 11-year problem with the very invasive Kariba weed (Salvinia molesta) is a good indication that the river is not in a healthy state," she said.
"We are aware of the efforts involving the upgrading of the Eden pump station and the installation of back-up power. We were therefore as disappointed as the canoeists to learn that there are still technical problems that need to be addressed."
Reason for pollution being sought
She said Gardag sent an enquiry on Monday to the management of George Municipality asking for an explanation for the high E.coli readings.
When they alerted Outeniqua Canoe Club chairman Anton Jordaan this week, he said, "As passionate canoeists and members of the Outeniqua Canoe Club, we have been enormously concerned about the annual re-sprouting of the Kariba weed and from our side done our best by having regular clean-ups. We are therefore worried to learn about the ongoing presence of faecal bacteria in the area where we launch our canoes."
Du Preez said canoeists and other water sports people should be careful when using the river and dam area, and take care to cover up any cuts or open wound areas to avoid getting an infection.
ALSO READ: Sewage flows into Kat River
READ MORE: Sewer system being upgraded to prevent spillage into Kat River
Comment from George Municipality and Garden Route District Municipality is being awaited and will be published online as soon as it is provided.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
