Hartenbos River fit for recreational use

Good news for all recreational users of the Hartenbos River is that the estuary was reopened early on Monday morning for recreational use.

The signage prohibiting the recreational use of the river was also removed. The river may thus be used for recreational purposes again, including swimming, fishing and collecting bait.

The results of the latest tests showed a marked improvement in the water quality of the river and found that the values for faecal streptococci and e-coli are within the acceptable limits in terms of the 2012 South African Water Quality Guidelines for Coastal Marine Waters: Volume 2 Guidelines for Recreational Use.

This follows the mechanical opening of the river mouth last week after fears that the water was found to be unsafe for human use.

"The improvement in water quality is mainly due to tidal exchange following the breaching of the river last week," municipal spokesperson Colin Puren said.

Mossel Bay municipal manager Advocate Thys Giliomee assured residents and holiday makers the water of both the Blue Flag Hartenbos Beach as well as the river estuary would be tested regularly in accordance with applicable legislation and prescripts.

He said: "These water samples are tested for e-coli, pH, faecal streptococci and ammonia by Pathcare and are sent to Pathcare laboratories in Cape Town.

“Should any markers indicate any problem, remedial action will immediately follow. It is also mandatory to submit the regulated test results to the Blue Flag organisers."

Should the water quality again deteriorate, the municipality will immediately notify residents.