The Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at Durban University of Technology (DUT) tested water quality at several of Durban's well-known beaches, finding only three to be safe for use. According to Professor Faizal Bux, director of the IWWT, the results from the 14 beaches tested were concerning. Eleven beaches, including 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, showed high levels of E. coli.
Only Bronze Beach and Umhlanga Lighthouse had acceptable E. coli levels and were deemed ideal, while Ushaka Beach had lower, yet concerning, levels. Prof. Bux highlighted that the water quality at the 11 critical beaches poses a health risk, advising the public to avoid them until E. coli levels drop to safe standards. He also noted the consistently dangerous E. coli levels at the Umgeni River mouth.
“These independent water quality tests are regularly conducted, typically during holidays, by the IWWT at DUT to ensure public safety. The results are released in the public interest,” said Prof. Bux.