Picture: Leon Lestrade. African News Agency. ( ANA ).
Water quality tests conducted by the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) have revealed high levels of Escherichia coli (E.coli) at some of Durban's most frequented beaches.
Professor Faizal Bux, director of the IWWT, announced that out of 14 beaches tested, 11 exhibited critical levels of E.coli, in the past two weeks.
The affected beaches include Ballito Tidal Pool, Westbrook Beach, Umdloti Beach, Glenashely Beach, Virginia Beach, Umgeni River, Umgeni River Mouth, Laguna Beach, Country Club Beach, Bay of Plenty, and Addington Beach. In contrast, only Bronze Beach and Umhlanga Lighthouse Beach had acceptable E.coli levels, while Ushaka Beach showed lower, though still concerning, levels.
“Ushaka Beach's E.coli levels are comparatively lower, but the water quality at 11 beaches is critical. We strongly advise beachgoers to avoid these locations for recreational purposes until the E.coli levels decrease to acceptable standards,” said Professor Bux.
He said the Umgeni River mouth has consistently shown critical E.coli levels, highlighting an on-going public health concern.
“The IWWT conducts these independent water quality tests regularly, particularly during holidays, to ensure public safety. We release these results to the public to keep everyone informed,” said Professor Bux.
The City was contacted for comment but had not done so at the time of publication.