Onrus Beach has to be one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in our area but have you ever asked yourself why this stunning beach and lagoon duo has never been awarded Blue Flag status? The reason for this has to be the water quality in the estuary. Every holiday season the levels of E Coli and Intestinal Enterococci are almost always way over the accepted norms prescribed by the Department of Environmental Affairs.
We have a few issues with the Overstrand Municipality sign board posted on the verge above the beach and they are:
1) the sign is too small. It should be as big as the one outside the Milkwood.
2) it is not placed in a prime position for maximum visibility.
3) it doesn’t supply ALL the info needed to make an informed decision.
4) the ‘swim at own risk’ message is confusing.
In fact it notes the ‘recreational standard’ for Enterococci as > 380 cfu/100ml when in fact the accepted fair minimum is 185 cfu/100ml or less. Surly the correct acceptable counts and actual readings should be noted on the board and at least one more sign should be placed right in front of the estuary.
The sign also states ‘swim at own risk’ a message which most people in South Africa associate with drowning and not with bacterial counts in water. If the board read ‘High Bacterial Count in Estuary – Swim at own risk!!’ there would be no confusion. Sadly our municipality continues to sidestep the sewage issue and its causes and members of the Onrus River Estuary Forum remain divided on the issue. Please don’t take chances, especially with small children and babies.
E. coli is a member of the fecal coliform group. Coliforms are often referred to as “indicator organisms”. While they are not harmful their presence in an environment can indicate that conditions are favorable for pathogens to be present. Since E. coli is a coliform of fecal origin, its presence in a sample is considered a reliable indicator of the possible presence of other more harmful bacteria and fecal contamination.
You will find the water quality guidelines here: https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/water_qualityguidelines.pdf
Eeeeeeeehhhweeeee.
I saw so many small children in that water……I also did not see the sign…… hope everybody is ok.
Oe lekkker
Oh no!
I was shocked to see so many people -especially little ones – in the lagoon! Yuk! Any reports of illness should be made known.
The situation is unacceptable!
Very true. It should also be noted that the recreational standard for E. Coli is for some reason both emitted and ignored. E. Coli should be no higher than 500 units per 100ml. It has been pointed out to the authorities; however they did not change the sign.
This is getting out of hand, was never this bad. My kids are teenagers now and used to swim in the lagoon (when they were little) daily without any problems. The problem is just getting worse every year.
I hope you managed to peek at the bathrooms too as it has been in a disgusting state the last few weeks.
My son ended up in hospital after swimming their in September
I avoid the beach now
Was at the milkwood downstairs bar today and you could smell the lagoon
😰
Today so many little one’s were in the lagoon.. And sadly even adults!
Its a DA ward. Turn up the pressure. Its serious.
Wonder if this applies to Grotto lagoon as well??
why dont they resolve this? such a tourist attraction as well, come on municipality its time now
Die Strand en Gordonsbaai Sal ook mooi blouvlag status key nie oor presies dieselfde en ander redes. Een ding wat verbeter het is dat mense nie meer al hul rommel agterlaat nie. Tog strap daar n oormaat skoonmakers elke oggend vroeg strandlangs. Toiletgeriewe skiet ver tekort. Hartseer as mens dink hoe mooi one kid is.
Where does the sewerage come from? Is it pumped into the lagoons or is it because people relieve themselves while swimming?
Been at Grotto yesterday and the smell is BAD!
Need more info as its my littly’s favourite swim spot!
some children have become terribly ill from swimming here
Are you very sure its sewerage? Just because its e-coli, doesnt mean its sewerage, did you know e-coli is naturally found in soil? Last year there was an article on FBook about the plants & soil in lagoon & due to being stagnant, the e-coli increases… No-one seems to be answering so maybe thats why? Any light on this Whale Coast Conservation?