Water quality: Would you swim here?

Abstract

WATER QUALITY Without a doubt, Hartbeespoort Dam has a reputation for being one of the filthiest dams in the world. But does it really deserve all the bad press its getting? Yes and no, says Carin van Ginkel, specialist scientist at the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) in Pretoria. “More than any other dam in the world, Hartbeespoort suffers from massive seasonal growth of cyanobacteria (previously known as blue-green algae), which accumulates on the dam surface and rots in the sunlight. It releases offensive odours and often looks and smells like raw sewage - but it’s not. The sludge is caused by the natural biodegradation of the cyanobacteria, and not human excreta.” Cyanobacterial blooms such as the one in April not only affect the taste and smell of the water supplied to local residents, the foul smell around the dam wall also puts off prospective buyers looking to purchase upmarket homes in the area. Understandably, it has residents up in arms. Unfortunately, there’s no easy solution.

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