A sudden drop in water quality is believed to be behind last week’s mass fish death at the mouth of the Umhlali River, following independent laboratory testing commissioned by the local municipality, according to The North Coast Courier.
Screenshot from The North Coast Courier Facebook video
According to KwaDukuza Municipality, water samples taken on Thursday, 12 February revealed high levels of organic pollution and ammonia, as well as elevated water temperatures and low oxygen levels. The tests were conducted by a laboratory affiliated with the South African National Accreditation System.
Municipal spokesperson Bridget Shange explained that high levels of organic pollution indicate a heavy nutrient load entering the river system. This can be caused by runoff containing sewage, fertilisers, decaying vegetation or other waste. When combined with warm water temperatures, these conditions reduce dissolved oxygen in the water, placing severe stress on fish and other aquatic life.
Ammonia, commonly associated with sewage and waste, was also detected at elevated levels. In high concentrations, the chemical is toxic to marine organisms.
“The combination of these factors can place severe stress on marine life and may result in fish mortality,” said Shange.
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She added that bacterial levels, including E. coli, were within acceptable recreational water quality limits at the time of sampling.
The investigation followed reports that thousands of fish and other marine animals had washed up dead in the estuary area last Thursday morning, prompting concern among residents and beachgoers.
In a separate and unrelated incident, around 150 fish were found dead at the Chaka’s Cove tidal pool last Friday. That event was attributed to high water temperatures and a lack of seawater circulation due to unusually calm sea conditions. The tidal pool has since been reopened for swimming.
Further water tests conducted on Tuesday, 17 February confirmed that conditions at the Umhlali River mouth no longer pose a risk to the public, and the area has also been reopened.
“The municipality will continue to monitor water quality and work closely with relevant environmental authorities,” said Shange. “Further updates will be communicated should additional information become available.”
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