GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route Dam Action Group (Gardag) in a recent statement aired concern about the quality of George's river and dam water.
According to chairperson and environmental scientist Desireé du Preez, their concern emanates from a four-month river sampling survey from April to July.
E. coli samples were taken from the Garden Route Dam, Kat River, Mitchell River, Modderrug River, Skaapkop River, Meulen River and Gwaiing River to analyse microbial contamination from waste water.
"While the Kat River has relatively low E. coli levels, we were shocked to find that all the urban rivers contained E.coli levels exceeding the legal standards for contact recreation. The Meulen River was in the worst condition, with sewage spewing from the Parkdene pump station.
"George Municipality has budgeted in excess of R26-million for the upgrading of the Parkdene pump station and the sewage outfall has already stopped. Ballot's Bay resident Pierre Theron says he has already seen a slight improvement in the condition of the Meulen River estuary.
"When the project is completed, eight months from now, it is hoped that marine life will gradually be returning to the estuary at Ballot's Bay and that it will then be safe to swim in the affected estuary," says Du Preez.
The health of the Kat River has come under scrutiny with Kariba weed reappearing for the past seven years - despite herbicide being sprayed annually in this river and in the Garden Route Dam. "Addressing pollution in the delicate Kat River wetland is essential, as this is one of only two rivers feeding into the dam and therefore a precious water resource in a water scarce district."
The other river feeding the dam is the Swart River.
Black and red ink discolour the Meulen River.
Gardag has also discovered red and black dye being discharged via the storm water system into the Meulen River. The organisation appeals to the public to help identify the culprit.
"If George is aiming for blue flag status for Victoria Bay we have to ensure that massive pollution fall-outs into the Ballot's Bay estuary are eliminated as this may directly affect Vic Bay and its ability to be a prime tourist and recreational resort that is environmentally healthy and safe to swim and surf in," says Du Preez.
Rivers choked up
Gardag welcomes the August clean-up operation of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) during which the municipality is paying for 20 EPWP workers partaking in major river cleanups. Du Preez says the planned upgrade of sewerage infrastructure will also improve the polluted condition of the rivers. "During our survey we noticed most of the rivers were choked up with trash and especially plastic. We will be approaching local industries to get involved in our adopt-a-river project which will entail regular clean-ups."
The Meulen River is in places discoloured by red or black ink.
She says if a turn-around strategy for the return of the rivers to a healthy state is to be successful, people from all walks of life - including local authorities, industrialists, organised business and local communities - will have to take ownership of the rivers closest to them.
"We must help to bring about change and ensure all life forms return to the Meulen River, including the iconic Cape clawless otter."
Garden Route Dam OK for now
She says the water quality of the Garden Route Dam was found to be within legal limits, even though the feeder streams - the Mitchell and Kat rivers - are polluted.
The group will also continue to monitor disturbingly high levels of nitrate and nitrite.
The George Municipality declined to comment on the statement.
Source of water pollution in the spotlight
The Garden Route Dam Action Group (Gardag) states that the greatest threat to the health of lakes and rivers along the Garden Route is microbial contamination from waste water discharges as well as the absence of adequate sanitation services for burgeoning human settlements.
The group is also concerned about the build-up of silt and solids, run-off of fertilisers and pesticides, storm water discharges, septic tanks, sewage plant spills and general littering, but says that it is encouraged by George Municipality's willingness to accept their help in identifying problem areas.
"We are also encouraged by the upgrades for the fresh water and waste water systems which have been budgeted for," said the chairperson, Desireé du Preez.
"Gardag will continue to conduct random sampling as and when sponsorship is available. A local company, Blue Planet SA, has made a huge contribution towards this, and their offer for providing practical problem-solving is greatly appreciated. Plans are afoot to conduct and publish regular river health assessments."
Volunteers interested in assisting with water quality monitoring, may contact Desireé du Preez at gardag21@gmail.com.
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