Umbilo River water toxic – municipality warns
eThekwini Municipality said the chemicals that spilled into the Umbilo River have been found to be toxic to marine organisms.
THE toxicity analysis results from samples taken at Umbilo River, close to where a chemical warehouse in Westmead, Pinetown caught alight, have indicated that the river water is toxic to marine organisms, the municipality has said in a statement.
“As a pre-cautionary measure people and their pets should not swim, bathe or drink any of this water. Officials from the municipality’s Pollution and Environment Branch, the National Departments of Water and Sanitation and Environmental Affairs will continue to monitor the situation,” said eThekwini Municipality’s communications head, Tozi Mthethwa.
On Wednesday, dead fish were found in the Umbilo River at the Queensburgh Caravan Park. The dead fish surfaced just days after a chemical factory in Westmead burnt down on Saturday, spilling chemicals into the river. On Sunday the Umbilo River water was purple as a result of the chemicals.
It has not yet been confirmed what chemical spilled into the river, but the Department of Water Affairs took samples on scene and is currently having it tested.
