City Warns Residents Not to Swim in Westlake River

Due to its potential health risks, Dr. Ivan Bromfield, Executive Director: City Health, would like to warn the general public of the Kirstenhof area, as well as recreational users that frequent the public open space along the Westlake river, to use caution and avoid contact with the river water with visible algae blooms until further notice.

This type of algae does not generally occur in flowing rivers. It has been established that a dam upstream has had a blue-green algae outbreak and therefore water flowing over the dam wall into the Westlake river carries with it blue-green algal cells. Investigations are also being undertaken downstream at Zandvlei since this river flows into the vlei. The saline conditions in the vlei should help to cause the algae to die off.

"Blue-Green Algae and the toxins it releases can present a health hazard for those swimming or playing in the river, especially children and pets. We recommend that people stay out of the water and keep their dogs out of the river as well," Bromfield said.

The algal blooms look like green, blue-green, white, or brown foam, scum or mats floating on the water. Recreational exposure to toxic blue-green Algae can cause eye irritation, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhoea, and cold and flu-like symptoms. Accidentally drinking or swallowing large amounts of contaminated water can be extremely dangerous. Should any person for any reason come into direct contact with the blue-green Algae they are advised that they should wash themselves immediately with clean water. If any symptoms are evident, they should immediately seek medical advice.

With proper precautions to avoid water contact, people can still use the public open space along the Westlake river and enjoy activities such as biking, picnicking, walking or other recreational activities that exclude any direct contact with the algae bloom or scum.

Warning signs informing the public of the presence of blue-green Algae and its risks has been placed along the Westlake river. As part of the City of Cape Town's water quality monitoring program regular water samples are taken in order to assess and evaluate the status of the Westlake river and once the potential health risk has abated the warning signs will be removed.

Should any person require any further information the Wynberg Environmental Health Office can be contacted on 021 762 1202/5.

Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town