The Onrus Estuary has been temporarily closed on 16 January 2024 due to the presence of e-coli and enterococci in the water. The public is warned not to swim in the estuary until further notice.

The source of the higher bacteriological results has not been identified as there are no confirmed sewer spillages from municipal infrastructure.

The Onrus beach is not affected by this, but should the water samples be found not to be within the water quality standards, it will also be closed as a precautionary measure.

Warning signs have been erected upon instruction from Overberg District Municipality (ODM).

Signage will only be removed once ODM is satisfied that the water is safe for public recreational use, following sampling and testing and re-sampling as necessary.

The ODM is the health authority and issues recreational health warnings as a result of its jurisdiction over public health.