Stay away from toxic

Noordhoek vlei - city

2010-12-23 22:39

Cape Town - Cape Town health

authorities have warned people to
steer clear of Wildevoelvlei in the
Noordhoek valley because of its
high concentration of toxic algae.

"No contact must be made with

this body of water," City Health
said in a statement on Thursday.

It said Wildevoelvlei had a well-

established algae population,
dominated by species of blue-green
algae named Cyanophyceae.

During the warm summer months, the algal population could increase
dramatically, and this accounted for the current green pea-soup colour of
the water.

"The public should avoid all contact with the water at the vlei and in the outlet channel
leading to the sea," City Health said.

"Dog-walkers should ensure that their pets remain on their leashes so that they are not able to
drink the water."

Shellfish such as mussels harvested from the coast below the vlei were likely to be unfit for
human consumption as a result of the toxins.

Exposure to the algae could cause eye irritation, skin rashes, mouth ulcers, vomiting,
diarrhoea, and cold or flu-like symptoms.

Drinking or swallowing large amounts of contaminated water could be "extremely

dangerous".
- SAPA