Water quality testing scrutinised

• Published date: 25 April 2024
• Author: Shahied Joseph shahied.joseph@acm.co.za
• Publication title: Atlantic Sun

In an email interaction with Mark Jackson, a water activist and film-maker (Bays of Sewage) who expresses concerns about the water quality of the Camps Bay tidal pool, Dr Badroodien says that the Proteus instrument may be tested in Atlantic seaboard waters

“The Proteus was brought to our attention by the chair of the Strand Lifesaving Club in February. We have had many discussions with the South African supplier and in the beginning of March we appointed Dr Barry Clark (a marine science and marine instrument expert) to undertake a review of the Proteus and its utility in our waters. That review is due end of April. We have committed to trial the Proteus if the review is positive,” said Dr Badroodien.

Dr Badroodien says that the water quality in the Camps Bay tidal pool meets national water quality standards, and that weekly tidal pool statistics were obtained since October of last year.

“These weekly samples are taken on the same day in the stream and the tidal pool a few minutes apart and there is so far no correlation between the results except for one sample in October >150 where we believe bather shedding was a factor at the tidal pool.

“On February 6 the tidal pool was sampled and scored 1/100ml and the previous date, January 30, it was 0/100ml,” said Dr...