Cape Town shuts down Zeekoevlei over water quality issues
Zeekoevlei has been temporarily closed by the City of Cape Town for fishing and recreational activities until further notice.
The City of Cape Town has temporarily closed Zeekoevlei for fishing and recreational activities until further notice.
Zeekoevlei is located within the False Bay Nature Reserve.
The full closure of the waterbody is a measure following water quality concerns.
The closure applies to all aquatic sections of the Zeekoevlei.
The City of Cape Town is undertaking continuous water quality testing at various points within the waterbody.
The latest consecutive test results showed elevated levels of Microcystin due to a blue-green algae bloom of Microcystis.
Closed for recreational use
The City has concluded that Zeekoevlei should be closed for recreational use, including fishing given an elevated risk to human health. Warning signage has been installed as well.
The public is cautioned to continue to avoid consuming fish caught at Zeekoevlei.
All contact with the water at Zeekoevlei should be avoided until the levels are within national recreational water use guidelines.
Visitors should also ensure that their pets do not access the water under any circumstances.
We will continue monitoring the water quality and inform the public once the results are within acceptable limits.
The City is working around the clock to address and investigate the sources of pollution.
The closure does not prohibit access to the False Bay Nature Reserve and other visitor facilities in the area.
The City apologises for any inconvenience caused and wants to thank the public in advance for their cooperation during this period.