Umgeni River E. coli readings still critical
Since last year, water-quality tests along various sections of the Umgeni River have revealed just how polluted the river is with E. coli (sewage bacteria).
WHILE most of Durban’s beaches have been given the all-clear with recent water-quality tests by both the eThekwini Municipality and Talbot, a water-treatment service company, the Umgeni River remains a massive concern.
Since last year, water-quality tests along various sections of the Umgeni River have revealed just how polluted the river is with E. coli (sewage bacteria).
In August last year, the situation came to a head when hundreds of dead fish were found floating between Athlone Bridge and the Umgeni River mouth at Blue Lagoon.
Janet Simpkins, founder of the non-profit organisation (NPO) and environmental body, Adopt-a-River, said the critical levels of E. coli continue.
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“One of the points along the river with consistently high levels of the bacteria – the outfall pipe from the Northern Wastewater Treatment Works – is still cause for concern,” explains Simpkins.
In December 2021, Simpkins, along with conservationists, raised the alarm over a discolouration that was flowing from the outfall pipe.
“At our last testing visit, the discoloured effluent was visible. The colouration has improved but the E. coli readings are still way beyond legal limits. I do believe, however, there is a way back. Given time and the right conditions, nature is remarkable at restoring itself. For this to happen, however, these foreign substances need to be prevented from entering the natural ecosystems. The pollution needs to stop,” she said.
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Besides the outfall pipe, there are several points along the Umgeni River and its tributaries where contamination continues to flow.
“An added threat to the health of the river is illegal dumping,” explained Simpkins, “specifically in the vicinity of Willowfield Crescent in the Springfield Park area.
“What is a shocking find is the river bank has been completely undermined and changed. It seems someone thinks it’s their own new parking space. Earth has been pushed over into the river and is now covering some access to the overflow as well as a sewer line. The complete disregard for the river bank and for nature in the form of illegal and brazen dumping, right into the river, affects this catchment daily,” she said.
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