The stench from chronic pollution at Milnerton Lagoon continues to be a thorn in the community's side, and an environmental activist says better signage is needed to warn the public about the dangers of coming into contact with the water.

Milnerton Canoe Club chairman Richard Allen says he has been in many meetings with City officials, including mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, about the problem, but it has only grown worse over the past decade, to the point that the club can no longer use the lagoon.

“We don't paddle there anymore. Our club is more than 55 years old. We are probably the strongest club in the country, regarding the membership as well as the athletes. Gradually over the years, some of our people go somewhere else because the water has become too polluted."

The club now uses the canals at Century City instead of the lagoon.

Environmental activist and founder of the Save a Fishie non-profit, Zoe Prinsloo, 22, said effluent discharged into the Diep River from the Potsdam sewage plant, upstream from the lagoon; beach litter, litter from upstream and pollutants washed up by the sea all added to the problems at the lagoon.

She praised the City for its educational drives, clean-up campaigns and sending cleaners out each morning to tackle beach litter, but added, "There is always more that can be done." And that included warning beachgoers about the hazardous condition of the lagoon, she said.

“The Milnerton Lagoon is heavily polluted and unsafe. The community living near to the lagoon face this issue every day, especially the foul stench that can be smelt from the lagoon. The water quality is a huge issue... Milnerton Lagoon’s water is not safe. I feel more needs to be done to warn general beachgoers. The signage is too small and nobody reads it. We always see kids and dogs in the water and it is a health hazard."

Mayoral committee member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien said the City was taking steps to tackle pollution in the Diep River, which flows into the lagoon, but it was a complex issue.

“There are various sources of pollution impacting the water quality in the Diep River, which make it difficult to implement sustainable solutions,” he said.

Remedial action included sewerage system upgrades and maintenance, checking the sewer network for sources of pollution, exploring ways to improve the quality of treated effluent, increasing vacuum tanker deployment, regular cleaning of low-flow diversions, and vegetation management to mitigate odours and improve water flow.

“'Additionally, the City is exploring short-term remediation solutions in which Milnerton Lagoon, Milnerton Estuary mouth and Lagoon Beach remain closed for swimming due to pollution from the Diep River, which discharges at the estuary mouth at Lagoon Beach. There are several signs located around the mouth indicating that swimming is discouraged. The City is considering alternatives to increase awareness in the area,” he said.

Save a Fishie will hold a beach clean-up at Milnerton Lagoon on Saturday January 25, from 9.30am. Everyone is welcome to join.

Environmental activist and founder of the Save a Fishie non-profit, Zoe Prinsloo, 22, feels more needs to be done to warn beachgoers about the poor water quality at Milnerton Lagoon. PICTURE: SAVE A FISHIE

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