Marine outfalls comply with permit limits despite sewage pollution concerns
Sven Sötemann, Manager: Wastewater Treatment Branch in the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, provides an update on the City’s marine outfalls permit requirements.
Image: Supplied
The City of Cape Town says its marine outfalls at Camps Bay, Green Point and Hout Bay are operating largely within permit conditions, according to the latest results presented at the February Permit Advisory Forum, as scrutiny over sewage pollution intensifies.
The City reported that coastal water quality around the three outfalls remains suitable for recreational use.
Between July 2025 and January 2026, 1 107 seawater samples were collected as part of the City’s receiving environment monitoring programme. Of these, nine samples, 0,8%, exceeded the single-sample guideline for enterococci bacteria. The City said most exceedances were recorded within defined mixing zones close to the outfalls, where occasional breaches are anticipated. Overall, 99% of samples were within guideline limits.
Internal laboratory results and independently audited external tests reflected high compliance with Coastal Water Discharge Permit conditions. Compliance at Camps Bay was recorded at 86,6% for City samples and 93,9% for auditor samples. Green Point reflected 82,6% and 98,6% respectively, while Hout Bay recorded 98% and 100%.
Where exceedances were noted, these related mainly to certain metals and suspended solids. The City said it has formally queried some of the metal discharge limits with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment as part of an ongoing permit appeals process, citing inconsistencies between discharge permit limits and national guidelines.
The update follows a recent sewage spill that led to a temporary swimming ban at Melkbosstrand and comes amid ongoing complaints of sewer overflows in areas including Wesbank.
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien said the City acknowledges public concern and continues to invest in monitoring and upgrades.
“While the current results show strong compliance and no significant marine environmental impacts, we are not standing still,” he said.
Short-term refurbishment of the three marine outfall pump stations is under way following the award of a design-and-build contract in January 2026, with completion scheduled for December 2027. Medium- and long-term treatment upgrades remain under feasibility assessment and are subject to environmental approvals and budget availability.