Water samples taken at rivers in Nelson Mandela Bay show how the city is struggling to contain pollution, with dangerous E coli levels recorded at the Swartkops, Chatty and Baakens rivers in July and August.
At the Swartkops River and Baakens River, there were E coli levels of about 19,860 per 100ml of water, while samples taken from the Chatty River revealed 21,000 cells of E coli.
The rivers pose a health threat to children who might play along the banks or in the water.
Other areas of concern were the Motherwell Stormwater Canal and the Kelvin Jones Waste Water Treatment works.
A report tabled before the public health portfolio on Tuesday cites burst sewer pipes, dumping and overloaded waste water works due to a population increase as the main causes of the pollution.
Public health officials, however, shifted the blame to the infrastructure and engineering department. Deputy environmental health director Patrick Nodwele confirmed that E coli levels of 1,000 were dangerous and it was a matter of concern.
He said actions taken included raising awareness on the polluted rivers and putting up signs at the rivers.
Public health acting executive director Tsietsi Mokonenyane said the pollution should be attributed to the infrastructure and engineering department.
“The infrastructure and engineering department needs to get its house in order with respect to burst sewers spilling into our rivers.
“It would be in our best interest to bring the infrastructure and engineering department to the portfolio committee because we can’t answer some of these questions,” Mokonenyane said.
The explanations angered councillors in the committee who said the public health department also had to take some responsibility for the polluted rivers.
ACDP councillor Lance Grootboom said he was concerned by the E coli levels.
"From what I understand, 1,000 cells per 100ml is dangerous but we are seeing 10,000 cells of E coli here, which to me is a concern.
“These numbers are alarming, something needs to be done. There are children playing in these rivers and it is not everyone who reads these notices,” Grootboom said.
DA councillor Mthokozisi Nkosi said the presence of black refuse bags at the Motherwell Canal meant the public health department had a role to play in the pollution.
“My biggest concern is that our drinking water is unreliable. Industry recently had to instal filters because bacteria was found in our water.”