The City of Cape Town declared on January 10 that Llandudno Beach, located along the Atlantic coast, is closed until further notice due to an overflowing sewer pump station.
The City stated that the sewer pump station overflow occurred owing to a malfunctioning ultrasonic level sensor induced by a power spike caused by load shedding. Since replacing the sensor, the overflow has ceased.
The City stated, “This sensor measures the sump (storage) levels at the pump station so that pumps can be automatically turned on or off to manage the flow of sewage through this site.”
On Monday, the beach was closed to the public. Daily water tests will be collected by city health officials until the water quality meets the minimum standards for recreational use.
On Monday, the tide pools at Kalk Bay and Dalebrook were reopened. However, the beach area from Dalebrook to Kalk Bay between the tidal pools remains blocked till further notice.
“Until further notice, the public is urged to avoid contact with the water at this beach section.” “Health warning signage will remain in place to inform the public,” stated the City.
Llandudno Beach is the most recent beach to be closed by the city owing to sewer difficulties.
As previously reported, the City of Cape Town has implemented a number of measures to alleviate the effects of load shedding on its sewer pump stations, including:
As a move to strengthen the resilience of sanitation supply systems, larger priority sewage pump stations are outfitted with permanent generators.
Maintenance personnel will utilize mobile generators to power smaller pumps.
All pump stations are equipped with telemetry for facility sump level monitoring.
Even though there are contingency plans in place, the City expects sewer overflows and spills during the later stages of load shedding.
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