KNYSNA NEWS - The February E.coli readings for testing points surrounding the Knysna Estuary show that the levels of bacteria exceed acceptable recreational levels at five measuring points.
According to the national Department of Water Affairs’ guidelines, target water quality for recreational use may not exceed 500 E.coli/100ml.
The January readings showed all measuring points to be acceptable for recreational use, but according to the February E.coli readings there are increases since January at Ashmead (from 300 to 1440/100ml), Bigai (from 300 to 800/100ml), KADA Culvert (40 to 2280/100ml), Long Street (300 to 1520/100ml) and Train Station (121 to 3000/100ml).
On the January results the E.coli results for both Queen Street and Bongani were 300/100ml.
Responding to the fact that the levels of bacteria exceed acceptable recreational levels at five measuring points, Knysna Municipal Manager Grant Easton said on Tuesday 2 February, “There could be various reasons for the increase in the latest E.coli results at specific points. Some causes could include but are not limited to population growth, pollution on the river systems through the urban areas or illegal connections to the stormwater network.
This normally occurs in the upper catchments of the Knysna Flow System.
“Change in mindset and actions of every person who works and lives in Knysna is required to ensure that we do not just continue to clean up after everyone.” He urged Knysna communities, including business, to take responsibility for their waste and discard it responsibly, and for individuals to hold each other accountable for what goes into the lagoon.”
1. Ashmead: 1440/100ml
2. Bigai: 800/100ml
3. KADA Culvert: 2280/100ml
4. Long Street: 1520/100ml
5. Train Station: 3000/100ml
The following seven points tested under the limit and are therefore safe for public use.
1. Belvidere: 4/100ml
2. Bollard Bay: 1/100ml
3. Crabs Creek: 280/100ml
4. Green Hole: 5/100ml
5. Salt River: 0/100ml
6. The Heads: 3/100ml
7. The Point: 0/100ml
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