Ensuring the safety and cleanliness of Ballito’s beaches and tidal pools is a top priority for the Ballito UIP. One of the critical components of our environmental monitoring program is the regular testing of sea water for E. coli levels. Here is an overview of our water sampling process and key information for our members and the public.
Weekly Sampling Schedule
UIP funded water sampling takes place every Tuesday, while sampling sites funded by neighbouring estates are conducted every second Tuesday. This consistent schedule allows us to monitor trends over time and respond promptly to any concerning changes in water quality.
Sampling Locations
We conduct water sampling at several key locations across Ballito, covering both beaches and tidal pools. The specific areas include:
Beaches:
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Tidal Pools:
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Processing and Reporting
The water samples collected are sent to B.N Kirk, an accredited independent laboratory, for analysis. The testing process can take a few days to complete due to the necessary incubation periods required for accurate results.
Understanding the Results
It’s important to note that E. Coli levels can fluctuate in short timeframes due to various environmental factors such as rainfall, sea currents, winds, and tides. These tests aim to establish an overall trend rather than providing real-time data. Weekly testing is conducted at Ballito’s main swimming beaches, while other sites are tested bi-weekly.
Our routine testing began in March 2022 and since this date, Ballito’s E. Coli levels have remained within the ideal to acceptable range. There have been occasional days where levels were slightly higher, usually due to heavy rains or necessary infrastructure repairs.
The below graph provides an overview of the past 8 months:
Communication of Results
We communicate the results of our water sampling via our weekly newsflash and social media (Facebook/Instagram) channels. This ensures that our members and the public are kept informed about the current state of our water quality.
By regularly monitoring and reporting on sea water E. Coli levels, we aim to maintain the high standards of cleanliness and safety that our community expects.
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Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep Ballito’s beaches and tidal pools safe and enjoyable for everyone.
