Poor water quality threatens Durban North/South Beaches
KwaZulu-Natal readers beware: If you were thinking of going to the beach this season, the current Durban water crisis might make you think twice.
The current Durban water quality crisis has many beach lover thinking twice about their plans this season.
Beaches in Durban North and South have reported poor water quality according to recent tests, and certain costal waters have tested positive for bacteria such as E. coli.
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Here’s what you should know about the current state of these popular beach destinations in KZN.
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ACCORDING TO RECENT WATER TESTS
According to data from the Beach Water Quality Map, the water quality in beaches alongside KZN’s North and South beaches is ranked as poor.
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The map marks beaches in KZN according to their tests and assessments. Areas can be shown as poor (and marked in red), acceptable, or ideal.
Even though no litter was reported along the North and South beaches of Durban, water conditions were poor. Tests conducted on 31 August showed the dire state of the water.
WHAT IS E. COLI?
According to the Beach Water Quality Map, waters in Durban South’s beaches tested positive for the potentially deadly E. coli bacteria.
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The World Health Organisation says that, “most E. coli strains are harmless”, although also mentions that some strains of the bacteria can cause intestinal infections or other health issues.
Tests showed at least 1 130 CFUs per 100ml present in Durban South waters, which goes far beyond levels that are acceptable for people.
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According to Rand Water, any concentration of E. coli bacteria that measures more than 10 CFU is considered potentially dangerous and may not be present in drinking water.
HOW TO REPORT WATER ISSUES IN DURBAN
Do you need to call in a water-related question, or make a report about something you’ve seen on the Durban coastline? Contact eThekwini Municipality’s Water & Sanitation Department at their call centre (080 131 3013 or use their toll-free number (080 311 1111).
Leaking pipes, beach water quality questions, and other queries can be directed to the same eThekwini (KZN) helplines.