Take a dip at Ballito’s E. coli-free beaches
Privately conducted tests show that North Coast beaches from Ballito to Sheffield are in ideal condition - the highest ranking a beach can receive when waters are tested for colony-forming units such as E. coli.
While beaches from Westbrook through to Isipingo and Amanzimtoti remain closed owing to high levels of E. coli in the water, privately conducted tests have indicated that Ballito beaches are safe for swimming.
Tests conducted on August 2, 9 and 16 show that North Coast beaches from Ballito through to Sheffield remain safe, all falling well below even slightly dangerous levels of colony-forming units (CFU) per 100ml.
Ballito Urban Improvement Precinct, a public/private partnership tasked with improving public spaces conducted the tests.
Clarke Bay had the highest CFU level on August 2, but still ranked within the highest safety level of “ideal”. This requires a CFU of <250.
The latest test conducted by the Ballito UIP indicated CFU levels for beaches from Ballito to Sheffield to be well below 40, with Willard Beach recording a zero CFU count.
Some beaches and tidal pools are tested every second week, while others are tested weekly.
“Our water quality has a direct impact on lifestyles, investor perceptions and benefits for all who live, work and play along the North Coast. There is a moral and health imperative to make sure that beachgoers are not being exposed to polluted water,” said Head of UIP’s Northern Operations, Jarrod Evans.
The Ballito UIP has also gained support for its initiative from Seaton, Simbithi and Zimbali estates, which have now taken to funding testing of key points along our coastline.
Citing information provided by the Democratic Alliance, sister publication The Citizen reports that on Monday this week hundreds of fish were found dying in the Blue Lagoon area.
“E. coli counts at monitoring stations are now reading into the millions of CFU, making it impossible for authorities to open the most popular beaches before the summer holiday season begins,” reported the DA.
Closed beaches (for water-related activities) include:
- Westbrook
- uMhlanga main beach
- uMdloti
- Casuarina
- eThekwini Beach
- Laguna Seasonal Beach
- Anstey’s Beach
- Brighton Beach
- Isipingo Beach
- Reunion Beach
- Warner Beach
- Amanzimtoti main beach
- Pipeline Beach
eThekwini Metro spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela, said beachgoers could still enjoy regular beach activities at these venues, but should refrain from coming into contact with the water.
Lifeguards and law enforcement officers are on site at closed beaches to ensure beachgoers adhere to the closures.
A notification would be provided by the Metro once beaches were deemed safe.
Banned activities at the affected beaches include swimming, surfing, fishing, bathing and canoeing.
Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news
Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0
WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Add The Courier to WhatsApp at 082 792 9405 and WhatsApp your name and surname to be added.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
