Water Quality
Every month the LBRCT sets out to measure the water quality of the river every two kilometres from the Mouth up until the Pont (38 km upriver). A handheld probe is used, which measures multiple parameters, such as temperature, salinity, conductivity, and pH. Additionally, we use an instrument called a secchi disk to measure the water turbidity, or visibility. All results are sent to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
There are two salinity probes which are permanently stationed in the Estuary; one is downriver at Rooiwalle (6 km from mouth) and the other is upriver at Matjieskloof (30 km from mouth). These probes provide DWS with continuous water quality data for the Estuary.
The LBRCT also assists the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) conduct water sampling of the Breede on a monthly basis. The samples are tested for micro- and macronutrients, which provide us with valuable information on the health of our estuary.
Water Quality Results 2023
Water Quality Results 2022