Having a perception about the water quality of a river can determine its usefulness, as a supply of water and also for recreational purposes. If it is determined that the river water is in a poor state, then it can have an impact on the community’s health, the economy of a settlement, as well as the natural environment along the course of the river. The main aim of this research is to determine what the community of Hartenbos’ opinion is concerning the water quality of the Hartenbos River and what is the true state of the water quality of the Hartenbos River? This could seem as a positive or negative influence on sustainable development and environmental conservation. The town of Hartenbos and the Hartenbos River is situated on the Southern Cape Coast in the Western Cape Province. A questionnaire survey, employing a stratified random sample method, is conducted during the month of April 2005. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (Belville) obtain water quality variables from nine sampling points. The results are analysed for a ten-year period (1994-2004) by STATKON, an independent statistical consultant based at the University of Johannesburg (Kingsway Campus). Analysis methods include a repeated measure of variance (ANOVA) and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. These results are compared with the South African Water Quality Guidelines for domestic, recreational and agricultural (irrigation and livestock watering) use. The results show that the state of the water quality of the Hartenbos River is in a good condition and thus acceptable within the modern urban environment. The researched population mainly disagrees with this statement. According to the opinion of the research population, the water quality is in a poor condition, thus unacceptable within the modern urban environment. According to them, human activities within the river and its catchment and poor management are to be blamed. Although the opinion of the research population is genuine and rightful, the opinion is overruled by the water quality results. Economic development such as tourism and residential development will improve the local economy. The local community’s opinion can alter new developments because of their perception regarding the water quality of the Hartenbos River. How the local community’s opinion compare with actual scientific information, will determine its value or correctness and thus, the positive or negative impact on economic development. The state of water quality and the ecosystem must be maintained. An appropriate environmental management plan and enforcement of existing laws will ensure harmony between any existing or future economic development and the conservation of the Hartenbos River. The Hartenbos River with all its functional and aesthetic properties has to be conserved for generations to come. / Dr. P.J. Wolfaardt