Cape Town Scientists, City Officials Clash Over Coastal Water Quality
A recent pilot study by Cape Town researchers Dr Jo Barnes and Professor Leslie Petrik has sparked a contentious debate with city authorities over the condition of the city's coastal water.
The study , conducted under Project Blue in late 2024, flagged potential sewage contamination at beaches like Camps Bay and Strand as per TravelNews.
Researchers are said to have detected bacteria such as E. coli and enterococci in water samples, raising concerns about health risks for beachgoers.
The scientists described their methods as aligned with international standards and emphasised that the initiative aimed to provide a preliminary assessment of water safety.
However, City officials disputed the study's credibility.
Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews dismissed the findings as misleading, highlighting the City's own data showing consistently safe water quality at 30 beaches during the festive season.
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