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Daily Maverick
3 hours ago
- General
- Daily Maverick
Second sewage spill forces closure of Gqeberha's popular Kings Beach — repairs may take weeks
A sewage spill has again shut down one of Nelson Mandela Bay's premier beaches — this time due to a collapsed pipe in the harbour. While the municipality scrambles to contain the damage, concerns mount about the city's ageing infrastructure. Just weeks after a sewage spill forced the closure of Nelson Mandela Bay's flagship Kings Beach, another leak has again shut down the popular beachfront. This time, a crumbling pipeline running through the adjacent harbour caused foul-smelling sewage to flow on to the Kings Beach parking area and down the walkway providing pedestrian and vehicle access to the beach. While municipal teams are tending to the immediate problem and working to clean up the spill, repair work on the collapsed pipe causing the problem will begin only later this month. The municipality released a statement on Wednesday, saying that the beach would be closed temporarily after the spill was reported, also warning residents not to swim or fish in the area. 'Following recent heavy rainfall over the weekend, a new spill occurred at the Kings Beach parking area. This was despite ongoing flow control measures via by-pass pumping in the harbour. 'The spill has since ceased. The affected area is currently undergoing cleaning and treatment (dosing) to reduce E. coli levels and eliminate unpleasant odours. 'Urgent work will be done on rectification. A newly appointed contractor has confirmed that the necessary pipes are readily available, and work is expected to be completed within 2-3 weeks, provided no additional collapses occur during excavation,' the statement read. The municipality says it is monitoring the situation closely and continuing with water quality testing to assess when it will be safe to reopen the beach. Ward 2 councillor Sean Tappan confirmed that the spill was unrelated to a blocked drain near the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport that caused a large-scale sewage spill early in June. 'It seems a main sewage line, running through an access-controlled area within the harbour, has collapsed. This was likely caused by prolonged exposure to heavy vehicle traffic in the area,' Tappan said. He had been in contact with teams on the ground and confirmed that a specific 600mm pipe and specialised equipment had to be ordered. Repairs could take place only from around 16 August when the material arrived. 'For the time being, a pump has been put in place to divert sewage from that section of pipe to a nearby manhole.' Tappan said under normal conditions, the temporary fix should be able to cope with demands placed on the sewage system. However, when heavy rain caused stormwater to flow through the sewage system, it sometimes led to overflows. He said suggestions had been made to the municipality on ways to redirect sewage spills along Kings Beach to areas where it would not affect public health and safety, but it was unclear what the city's official stance was on the matter. 'Meanwhile, we will continue to monitor the situation and keep the public informed. This is a major environmental health risk, and we advise the public to steer clear until the issue is resolved,' Tappan said. The city's woes along the coast continue as the popular Brighton Beach remains closed due to concerns over water contamination and the vandalism of public facilities. Similarly, beachfront facilities at St George's Strand, near Motherwell, have been closed for an extended period due to vandalism and unsafe conditions. The DA's Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral candidate for the upcoming local government elections, Retief Odendaal, said the metro desperately needed to invest in a sewer services master plan. He said the metro's wastewater treatment plants and its pumps were ageing and had not been upgraded in years, but despite this, there was 'virtually no plan'. In addition, Odendaal said it appeared that there was zero accountability in the metro. He said that last month, when he had highlighted that Brighton Beach remained closed after six months because 'substandard effluent (read sewage) was continuously pumped into the ocean', the municipality's response to media requests was that Brighton Beach would be opened within days. 'A month later, Brighton Beach is still closed, and this is now the second time that Kings Beach had to be closed due to sewer spills in the last month. I fear that the current administration is going to destroy what is left of our tourism industry if they continue like this. This should be a big deal to everyone because it has the ability to impact negatively on our economy,' he said. DM
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
E.coli warning after 'two people taken ill' after bathing in North Yorkshire river
A campaign group has claimed two people have fallen ill in the last week with after bathing in a North Yorkshire river. The group, Stop Ure Pollution, also claims that one of the two people was hospitalised as a result of bathing in the river in mid-Wensleydale. Professor Richard Loukota, the group's leader, has carried out weekly tests at various points along the River Ure, including Ulshaw Bridge (four times), Aysgarth Falls (twice) and Worton (once). Professor Loukota used a hand-held testing kit, called Bactiquick, which detects a wide range of endotoxins including and salmonella. The test shows a red light and a numerical value if there are high levels of endotoxins in the water. Two tests were carried out at Aysgarth Falls on July 20 and 27, and according to the campaign group, both tests had a red light and a numerical value. The samples were then sent to a registered lab and to Save Our Swale, a community group working to keep the River Swale clean for water-based recreation and wildlife, in Richmond for further testing. The group has said the endotoxins and levels were shown to be a high risk for humans and dogs to bathe in the River Ure safely. Bactiquick results are 'high risk' at levels above 58 ERU (endotoxin risk units), and the results from the River Ure have been 151, 166, 151, 149 and 146. The Environment Agency was contacted, but did not want to comment directly on the claims. It is understood that the River Ure is not a designated bathing space. On reports of two people being taken ill with E. coli after bathing in the water, Professor Loukota said: 'This situation is very concerning and all water users should be aware of the risks, take the appropriate hand hygiene steps and should avoid ingesting river water particularly after rainy weather, when Combined Sewage Outlets are most likely to discharge and animal faecal matter is more likely to be washed into the river.' The Government has a dedicated page on guidance on healthy swimming. Rivers and open water locations that are not designated bathing spots are managed for the purpose of protecting fish and wildlife, not people, so health risks from using these locations may be higher than at designated bathing waters. The section reads: 'These waters are not monitored for the two types of bacteria; intestinal enterococci and which are used to assess bathing water quality. 'They can contain levels of sewage, faeces from livestock and pollution from farming or industry which are harmless to wildlife but would not be acceptable in designated bathing waters.'
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Pollution board says it found coliform and E. coli contamination in 6 Janakpuri homes
New Delhi: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which collected samples of tap water from 12 houses in Janakpuri, has found the presence of total and fecal coliform bacteria in six houses and E. coli in two homes. "… in six samples, total coliform and E. coli were not detected. In three samples, total coliform was detected but with values close to the lowest detection limit, and E. coli was not detected. In two samples, total coliform was detected but E. coli was not detected in one and detected in the other, but the E. coli value was close to the lowest detection limit, and in one sample, both total coliform and E. coli were detected above detection limits," CPCB said in its report. The central agency has told National Green Tribunal that the samples of the Delhi Jal Board supplied water were collected on July 20. T he tribunal had earlier sought details from the pollution watchdog to assess the water quality after residents complained about the contaminated water. "In compliance with the order dated July 16, 2025, CPCB collected samples... from 12 houses on July 20, 2025," it said in the report dated July 28. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi CPCB had also collected seven water samples on June 30 from other houses of A1 Block of Janakpuri. It added that the samples were analysed for bacteriological parameters such as total coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli, and free residual chlorine. It pointed out that "The Drinking Water Standards of Bureau of Indian Standards-IS 10500:2012 prescribes that total coliform and E. coli shall not be detected in 100ml of drinking water samples." Last week, DJB also apprised the tribunal that it discovered an interconnection of a dead water pipeline with an active one, which led to the contamination in the Janakpuri area. It said that several short-term remediation steps were taken to resolve the issue. DJB also said that it had collected 59 samples between March and July from Janakpuri, A Block. DJB said that out of 59 samples, it found samples from only three houses to be unsatisfactory and contaminated with coliform.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Swimmers warned of algae blooms, E. coli at Manitoba beaches ahead of long weekend
The province is warning swimmers of algae blooms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria at some Manitoba beaches and reservoirs ahead of the August long weekend. Manitoba Environment and Climate Change, which monitors the health of 57 beaches across the province through the Manitoba Clean Beaches Program, posted blue-green algae advisory signs at seven beaches this month. Manitobans should avoid swimming, drinking or bathing in water where blue-green algae is present, the province said. Owners should also ensure their pets do not drink the water. The province said on its website that blue-green algae has exceeded Manitoba's recreational water quality limits for the bacteria at: Brereton Lake South Beach. Hoopers Lake Beach. Lake Minnedosa Beach. Plum Coulee Beach. Rivers Reservoir Beach. Stephenfield Reservoir Beach. Sandy Lake Beach. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals, the province warns. Warm, calm weather can create an ideal environment for algae to grow, forming thick scum or clumps on top of the water that give off a foul smell. Exposure to blue-green algae toxins can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, skin/eye irritation, fever, respiratory symptoms and allergic reactions. Exposure can kill animals. Residents and cottagers who use lake water as a drinking source should not consume water that has exceeded algae limits, even if a treatment system is being used. Most small treatment systems can't remove algae toxins, the province warns, and boiling or chlorination won't make algae-affected water safe to drink. The province said E. coli were within recreational limits at most Manitoba beaches ahead of the August long weekend. According to the province's beach water quality map, E. coli samples taken at five beaches — Gimli, West Grand, Sandy Bar, St. Malo and Winnipeg beaches — earlier this week exceed the safe recreational limit for the bacteria. The province's beach update said advisory signs remain at Victoria, Lester, East Grand and Patricia beaches, as E. coli levels surpassed limits on July 22 but quickly dropped back to acceptable levels two days later. When high levels of E. coli are present in water, swimmers may develop ear, eye, nose or throat infections. The bacteria may also cause mild fever, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Swimmers should avoid swallowing lake water, the government warned, and avoid swimming if they are ill or have an open wound.
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Toronto Sun
Caution advised due to bacteria levels at some Ontario beaches as heat persists
Published Jul 29, 2025 • 2 minute read A group of young swimmers are seen in the water at Woodbine Beach in Toronto on July 9, 2024. Photo by Jack Boland / Files / Toronto Sun TORONTO — Some Ontario beaches have been deemed unsafe for swimming during a heat wave in southern parts of the province, but experts say public beaches — especially those in urban areas — still provide crucial relief from blistering temperatures. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Toronto Public Health advised caution Tuesday at the popular Centre Island beach on the Toronto Islands, after water samples showed elevated bacteria counts. In Ottawa, counts at Mooney's Bay Beach and Petrie East Bay were above the provincial threshold, according to data collected last week. Ottawa Public Health transitioned this year to testing waters once a week, whereas Toronto Public Health continues to sample water from beaches on a daily basis. Public health authorities in Windsor and Essex County also posted E. coli warnings for several beaches in the region, based on testing done last week. Gregary Ford, vice-president of Swim Drink Fish Canada, said reduced water quality is usually caused by intense precipitation that overloads sewage and wastewater systems, causing increased levels of bacteria to flow into nearby bodies of water. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Generally, that's when we start to see these beach postings occur during the summer, particularly during these warm periods followed by intense storm events,' he said. Aside from checking water quality test results, Ford said it's best to avoid swimming 24 to 48 hours after rainfall to avoid wastewater runoff. Ontario's water safety regulations are also some of the strictest in the world, with a threshold of 200 counts per 100 millilitres of water, Ford said. Dr. Howard Shapiro, Toronto's associate medical officer of health, said Toronto Public Health uses an even more 'stringent' standard of 100 counts per 100 millilitres in its water quality testing. Despite the potential health risks, Shapiro said urban beaches are still a vital escape from heat waves and a way for people to cool down. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Even if you look at the temperatures in the city, it'll be cooler by the lake than it will be in other parts, particularly in areas that have a lot of concrete,' Shapiro said. Meanwhile, a researcher at Ottawa's Carleton University is currently testing the waters at five locations along the Rideau River to dispel myths about river water quality and safety. Banu Örmeci, the director of Carleton's Global Water Institute and an environmental engineering professor, said she's been collecting weekly samples from the Rideau River since the beginning of June, with each sample deemed safe by provincial standards. Örmeci said she hopes her work can encourage the City of Ottawa to consider opening more supervised beaches along the Rideau River. 'Not everyone has the resources to go to cottages, and it is really important to create these recreational spaces in our neighbourhoods,' she said. MLB Toronto Blue Jays Canada Toronto & GTA Canada
