GEORGE NEWS - In recent weeks, the fluctuating quality of the Touw River's water has seen the river being closed and opened for recreational use numerous times, causing frustration among residents, local businesses and holidaymakers.
This is due to two mechanical failures at the Ebb and Flow pump station on 24 and 29 December, whereafter the George Municipality had the river water quality tested three times daily at three strategic points, even though the management of the river does not fall under the municipality.
On Tuesday 25 January, water samples for the Touw River obtained by the municipality on Sunday and Monday, 23 and 24 January, were declared all clear.
Consequently, swimming and water sports were again permitted at all areas of the Touw River including the river mouth and lagoon within designated swimming areas.
Municipal spokesperson Chantel Edwards-Klose said when the municipality issues public notices about the river being compliant or non-compliant, the municipality adheres strictly to the water quality guidelines as set out by the Department of Water Services.
"The parameters are as follows: for full contact (i.e. swimming) a count of 130/100ml, and intermediate contact 1 000/100ml."
Comprehensive investigation
She said that erratic results about E. coli levels were being received each day and a comprehensive investigation was launched to find the source of pollution and possible solutions.
"The Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management has advised us that they have been investigating this problem in the river for more than 20 years and on receipt of the report have called a multi-stakeholder workshop of the relevant parties involved for this week Thursday, 27 January, which includes SANParks and the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency (BGCMA). George Municipality is not the custodian of the Touw River as it is managed by SANParks in conjunction with BGCMA. A joint statement will be issued thereafter.
"All parties involved remain committed to protecting and retaining this natural attraction and ensuring it is safe for all residents and visitors."
Blue Flag beach
Edwards-Klose also commented on the aricle that appeared in last week's George Herald (20 January) where the merit of the Blue Flag status of Wilderness beach was questioned.
"The spillage on 24 December occurred 3,5km upstream from the river mouth and was contained and cleaned. The river mouth was and is currently tested for E-coli daily as of 24 December 2021," she said. "The Touw River mouth has remained compliant under the full contact and intermediate requirements as set out by the Department Water and Sanitation Water Quality Guideline, Volume 7, Aquatic Ecosystems, since the 29th of December 2021.
"The Wilderness beach area was/is tested for E. coli and streptococci as per the Blue Flag requirements and has met the requirements as set out by the programme."
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