The eThekwini Municipality has temporarily closed six prominent beaches due to high levels of E.coli, following recent water-quality tests.
The affected beaches are Point, Ushaka, South, North, Battery, and Country Club, known for attracting tourists.
The closure comes after a sampling effort by eThekwini Municipality and Adopt-A-River — a non-profit organisation.
The samples, independently tested by Talbot Laboratories, showed bad E. coli levels on 7 December.
The latest results show E. coli levels far above the acceptable point of under 500.
Country Club Beach recorded levels above 24,000, while the river at Kingfisher Canoe Club showed a shocking 1.2 million.
The municipality blamed this spike in E. coli levels on recent heavy rainfall in Durban, which has washed pollutants from rivers, streams, and stormwater systems into the ocean.
In response to these findings, the municipality has closed the affected beaches for public safety, while continuing re-sampling and monitoring efforts.
Janet Simpkins, founder of Adopt-A-River, urged residents and visitors to stay informed about the latest beach readings and be cautious when going to the beach.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Beach closed sign.
Image source: Stock
