Durban beachgoers are in for disappointment his December
It’s disappointment for Durban beachgoers this December as high levels of E. coli in the water lead to the closure of multiple beaches.
It’s bitter disappointment for Durban beachgoers this December holidays, as half a dozen beaches have been closed. According to IOL, the eThekwini (Durban) Municipality and independent partners, Adopt-a-River and Talbot, say E. coli levels are almost 10 times above a safe limit for bathing.
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Taking this disappointment for Durban beachgoers in stride, bathing at any of the affected beaches is especially unsafe after heavy rains. Six beaches along the Durban coastline – from Ushaka in the South to Country Club Beach in the North – fell into the “poor” and “critical” categories for E. coli.
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DISAPPOINTMENT FOR DURBAN BEACHGOERS
Independent test results show there is excessive faeces in the water. The six Durban beaches that have been immediately closed are:
- Ushaka Beach.
- Point Beach.
- South Beach.
- North Beach.
- Battery Beach.
- Country Club Beach.
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In response to this disappointment for Durban beachgoers this December, the eThekwini Municipality says it is common to see high levels of faeces in the water after heavy rains. Pollution from rivers and streams enters the ocean, in the case of Durban, from the Umgeni River.
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Nevertheless, high E. coli levels in the water are also a result of the damaged infrastructure from the 2022 floods. The eThekwini Municipality, Adopt-a-River and Talbot have been consistently testing the water since the floods to ensure the safety of residents. If exposed to a high level of the bacteria like E. coli, people can show symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
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What do you think of this disappointment for Durban beachgoers? Were you planning on heading to the coast this December? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.