The Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) has conducted water quality tests at some of Durban’s popular beach destinations (swimming and non-swimming). Professor Faizal Bux, Director of the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology at DUT, confirmed that two beaches, Bronze beach and Umhlanga light house had acceptable levels of E. coli in the water and tested as “Ideal.” However, compared to the other Durban beaches Ushaka beach showed lower levels of E. coli. The water quality at 11 beaches were “Critical” and the IWWT advises beachgoers that these beaches should not be used for recreational purposes. Historically the mouth of the Umgeni river has always presented critical levels of E. coli limits which is an unfortunate situation. The water quality tests are conducted on a regular basis usually during holidays by IWWT and in the interest of public safety.
The map and table below show the location of the beaches that were part of the IWWT water quality tests and provides a table of the water quality interpretation.
Interpretation of results
Samples were obtained and analysed on the 03 July 2024. Microbiological water quality results are as follows:
| E. coli range (count/100ml) | Water quality
|
Interpretation |
Pictured: Professor Faizal Bux, Director of the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology at DUT.
Story supplied by the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology.
