FOLLOWING sampling and testing across the City, scientists at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) have confirmed that eThekwini’s tap water satisfies SANS 241 microbiological drinking water standards.
 
 Director of the IWWT, Professor Faizal Bux, confirmed that scientists at DUT have analysed the drinking water and the results are good. “Recently there has been much concern about Durban’s tap water quality. We have conducted microbiological testing on random samples from the greater Durban area (south, north and west) and the tap water satisfies SANS 241 microbiological drinking water standards,” said Prof Bux. Head of the City’s Water and Sanitation Unit Ednick Msweli welcomed the independent testing done by IWWT which has affirmed that the City’s tap water is of good quality for consumption.
 
 Msweli assured residents that water in the reservoirs is safe, and that security has been heightened following a burglary incident at the Currie Road Reservoir. Meanwhile, the City has opened some beaches following extensive water testing. However, some beaches remain closed due to poor water quality. Regarding the beaches that are open, the testing revealed that the water quality at these beaches is now at an acceptable standard and safe for public use.

Opened beaches include Bay Beach, North Beach, Wedge Beach, South Beach, Addington Beach, uShaka Beach, Point Beach (Vetchies), Brighton Beach, Amanzimtoti Main Beach, Pipeline Beach, Warner Beach, Winklespruit Beach, and Umgababa Beach. Beaches that remain closed include eThekwini Beach, Laguna Seasonal Beach, Ansteys Beach, Reunion Beach, and Baggies Beach. All water activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, bathing, and canoeing are therefore prohibited at the above-mentioned beaches. Beachgoers are urged to heed the warning to avoid water-related activities at closed beaches as disregarding it could result in outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Lifeguards and law enforcement officers are on site to monitor the beaches to ensure the public adheres to the closures. The public will be notified when the closed beaches are reopened and safe for public use.
 
 siphelele.buthelezi@durban.gov.za | sane.shandu@durban.gov.za