Durban beaches safe for festive season
In September, the eThekwini Municipality failed to acknowledge tests run by the IWWT, as they use their own independent labs to monitor beaches.
Durban beaches have received the seal of approval from the eThekwini Municipality and the Durban University of Technology after recent water quality tests showed acceptable levels of e.coli in its waters.
ONE BEACH FAILS THE TEST
In a collaborated effort, the university’s Institute for Waste Water Technology(IWWT) and the municipality carried out the tests on Tuesday 28 November on some of the city’s popular beaches.
ALSO READ: Bathers, public urged to be responsible when visiting the beach
ALSO READ: How to access free basic municipal services
While some of the beaches passed the test, Laguna beach , located adjacent to uMngeni River mouth showed critical levels of e.coli.
In Durban North, Virginia Beach also showed high levels of e.coli. The two beaches showed e.coli levels of 1918 and 1529.
ALSO READ: Here are all 51 of South Africa’s ‘Blue Flag beaches’ for 2023
UNDERSTANDING E.COLI LEVELS
According to the Institute, ideal levels of e.coli are in the range of 0-130 for every 100ml of water, while poor/critical levels are higher than 400.
The IWWT’s Director Dr Faizal Bux has warned against the use of non swimming beaches during the festive season.
“Refrain from using non-swimming beaches for recreational purposes. The institute will continue to monitor beach water quality during the holiday period and keep the public informed”, says Bux.