Frequent very severe odours are experienced by Sandbaai  Hermanus residents, which originates from an open channel next to the sewer plant passing several houses and excits into the sea in Schulphoek through this open channel and accompanying  ground seepage. Guesthouses cannot operate in this stence and residents have noticed an increase of flies.

This water frequently discolours the entire bay with a brown sludge, which is the source of the stench. Children is swimming in this effected water and it becomes a health issue for many residents.

This matter was reported to the Overstrand municipality in March 2022 after water samples had been send to a lab by public effort, indicating a high ecoli count, not safe for human or animal contact. 

The Municipality investigation concluded that it was not untreated sewer, but that it stems from the Preekstoel water treatment plant's "backwash" activities.

The nausiating smells frequently hangs in the air, as do the brown sludge discoloured sea water across the Schulphoek bay. This brown water sludge is then carried by the currents that feeds the south side of Schulphoek and the blue flag Onrus beach.

The municipality needs to act promptly to remedy the overgrown open channel that starts at the end of Schulphoek road , with an appropriate solution eg. redirect the outflow to the Schulphoek Point  with an enclosed underground /undersea pipe.

Winter is coming and the open channels cannot carry all the effected and storm water,  that will result into washing over the shallow banks , spilling into residential gardens, and coastal roads.