Study Sparks Concern Over Ct's Popular Beaches

A recent study by Cape Town scientists Dr Jo Barnes and Professor Leslie Petrik has triggered a dispute with the City of Cape Town over the quality of the city's coastal waters.

The controversy revolves around findings from Project Blue, a citizen-led pilot study conducted in November and December 2024. The study suggested potential sewage pollution at several beaches, including Camps Bay, Clifton and Strand.

Project Blue reported the presence of E.coli and enterococci in water samples, raising concerns about public health risks for beachgoers.

The researchers asserted that their methods adhered to international scientific standards, with sterilised sample collection, temperature-controlled transportation and prompt laboratory analysis within four hours. They aimed to offer a snapshot of water safety to inform swimmers.

Dr Barnes and Professor Petrik emphasised that their investigation was not intended as a comprehensive study but rather as a pilot project to highlight potential risks. However, their findings faced immediate pushback from the City of Cape Town.