E. coli warning for Paulshof rivers as residents bathe in contaminated water
Citizen-science testing shows ongoing sewage pollution in local waterways, raising health concerns for residents using the river.
A community environmental organiser has warned against bathing in the river running through Paulshof after citizen-science water testing indicated ongoing E. coli contamination.
SpruitSpritz organiser Chantal Nativel conducted a water sample during the community’s clean-up on September 26, using a WaterCAN citizen-science testing kit.
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Nativel said the visibly grey water raised immediate concerns about sewage contamination, with further testing to be conducted using the kit’s test strips and petri dish.
The kit is designed to test indicators including pH, nitrates, phosphates and E. coli.
SpruitSpritz has tested the waterways regularly for six years, with monthly tests over the last two to three years consistently indicating E. coli contamination in the Braamfontein Spruit and Sandspruit.
“It has never been any different. Every single month they’re putrid,” she said.
Nativel’s concerns extend beyond the environmental impact, particularly because people are seen bathing in the river. “I’m so scared for them,” she said.
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Nativel said repeated sewage spills along the Sandspruit and Braamfontein Spruit, together with sewage entering waterways from informal settlements, were contributing to what she described as a serious water-quality concern.
Ward 93 Councillor Vino Reddy confirmed that the area had recently experienced a sewer burst that discharged into the river.
“Recently, we had a sewer burst that was pouring into this river,” Reddy said.
Nativel said regular water testing was important because the condition of rivers affects both ecosystems and the communities living alongside them.
The results of community testing, however, should be distinguished from accredited laboratory testing when determining whether water is legally or officially classified as safe for human contact.
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