info@greenlivinghoutbay.org www.greenliving.co.za The Hout Bay/Disa River has dangerous levels of E.coli in it. It should NOT be swum in, or even walked in with broken skin or abrasions. Children, dogs and horses should be prevented from spending any time in it. There ARE solutions and Envirochild and many concerned groups in Hout Bay are working towards finding them. We need residents support! There are many reasons that are causing the problems in the river : 1. the dams and diversions that are stopping it’s natural flow 2. leaking septic tanks up-river 3. agricultural and chemical seeping into the river 4. inadequate sanitation forcing people to ablute near the river 5. sewerage overflow from storm water drains 6. litter getting thrown or caught in the river 6. people continually whining and complaining about how dirty it is instead of helping to do something about it. All these problems need to be addressed individually. However we can do a lot in the meantime by supporting the River Project with positive energy and affirmations about our willingness to restore the ecological balance. We can become more conscious about the chemicals we put into our waste water. Flushing E.coli  into Hout Bay’s Disa River The Disa river in Hout Bay is the only river left that rises in the slopes of Table mountain that has not been extensively canalized in by concrete. This is what makes the river and its wetland a viable wild life reserve. Unfortunately it is being flooded by overflowing sewerage drains pumping this wild life sanctuary full of E-Coli and sewerage discharge.   Since 1970 45% of all fresh water eco-systems have been destroyed and now the Disa River is under threat. City health officials have urged residents and visitors, and their pets to refrain from using this entire body of water. Including swimming, playing and of course drinking. The over flowing sewerage is caused by the out- dated sewerage system that is no longer able to handle the increased amounts of waste water (grey and black water) flowing though the system. A possible solution to this dilemma would be to reduce the greywater that is passed through this system. This can safely be done by reusing Grey water (Shower, bath, hand basin, and laundry water) to flush toilets and irrigate gardens. As a secondary benefit this eco-friendly solution would also reduce a households fresh water footprint, and lower municipal water bills. See Cape Water Solutions for advice about diverting your household water into your garden Research by Dr. Masaru Emoto, says that human thoughts directed at water before it is frozen, produces water crystals that will be beautiful or chaotic depending upon whether the thoughts were positive or negative. Emoto claims this can be achieved through prayer, music or by attaching written words to a container of water. We must also work on the major practical and physical problems, but these will take time and effort. We are suggesting a couple of things that EVERYONE can do in the meantime: 1. Replace the toxic chemical cleaning products you use for natural ones so as to minimise the amount of chemicals and poisons that eventually land up in the river. This is a healthier alternative generally - not just for the river. 2. Reduce the amount of waste water by diverting your grey water back into your garden (see below) 3. Consider the river as a living entity and wish her recovery as you would a dear friend instead of reinforcing the negative with complaints and despair. The Hout Bay/Disa River Clean-up Project Click here for more info on the effects of drinking contaminated water @ THE HEALTH PATH 41 Victoria Rd HOUT BAY info@greenliving.co.za