Report 2025: Beach Water Quality Study Results for the NMBM Area

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South Africa’s beaches are more than just leisure destinations; they’re ecological treasures and economic drivers. Nelson Mandela Bay, with its bustling coastline, attracts thousands of visitors each year. But behind the sun and surf lies a critical question: Is the water safe?

In 2025, ASC Public Health and Food Safety Consultants conducted a detailed microbiological assessment of seven beaches in Nelson Mandela Bay. This blog post presents the findings, showing where the water is clean, where risks remain, and what needs to change to protect public health.

Nelson Mandela Bay is known for its vibrant coastline and some of the busiest beaches during the summer season. These beaches attract not only the residents of Gqeberha but also visitors from surrounding cities and neighbouring towns, making the Bay a significant tourist destination.

As the summer season approaches, the population of beachgoers is expected to increase substantially, with many seeking refreshment and recreation along the coastline. While this period is generally associated with leisure and enjoyment, it is equally important to ensure that public health and environmental safety are not compromised.

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Report 2025 - Beach Water Study for the NMBM Area

Are the beaches in the NMBM area clean enough to swim in?

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Overview of Nelson Mandela Bay Beaches

The Bay is home to several beaches of recreational and ecological importance:

Bluewater Bay Beach
St George’s Beach
New Brighton Beach
Humewood Beach
Kings Beach
Maitland Beach
Hobbie Beach
Blue Horizon Bay

These beaches are frequented by both locals and tourists. However, increasing human activity, combined with natural and environmental factors, can impact water quality and pose microbiological risks.

Rationale of the Study

Beaches are vulnerable to contamination from stormwater runoff, sewage discharge, and animal waste. Pathogens introduced this way can cause anything from mild skin irritations to severe gastrointestinal infections.

Recent incidents raised alarm:

New Brighton Beach was closed in December 2024 due to elevated E. coli levels.
Kings Beach faced sewage system disruptions in July 2025, risking faecal contamination.

In response, ASC launched this study to evaluate microbiological safety across key beaches.

Sampling Methodology

Seven beaches were sampled using sterile techniques and SANAS-accredited laboratory methods:

Colilert® for E. coli
Enterolert® for faecal streptococci

These rapid fluorescence-based methods ensured accurate detection and enumeration.

Study Objective

The study aimed to assess microbiological quality by detecting and enumerating:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Faecal streptococci (Enterococci)

Both serve as indicators of faecal contamination and potential health risks.

Pathogen Background

E. coli: Indicator of faecal contamination; pathogenic strains can cause severe illness.
Faecal streptococci (Enterococci): Robust indicators in marine environments, resistant to salinity and temperature changes.

Study Design and Sampling Phases

Four sampling phases (July–November 2025) plus additional December testing allowed seasonal comparison.

Guideline Reference Values

Results were benchmarked against Blue Flag Beach Criteria (2024):

Indicator Organism	Coastal Waters Limit (CFU/100 mL)	Inland Waters Limit (CFU/100 mL)
Faecal streptococci	100	200
Escherichia coli	250	500

Beach Water Results

The study revealed stark contrasts:

Humewood Beach: Unsafe spikes in September, November, and December.
Kings Beach: Consistently clean, minor E. coli detection only once.
Hobbie Beach: Stable and safe, low contamination.
Bluewater Bay Beach: Mostly clean, one moderate Enterococci peak.
New Brighton Beach: Historically severe contamination, but notable improvement in November–December 2025.
St Georges & Maitland Beaches: Excellent, consistently zero contamination.

Statistical Analysis

Each beach’s performance was analyzed in detail, confirming infrastructure—not rainfall—was the main driver of contamination.

External Influences

Rainfall events did not consistently correlate with contamination. Instead, poor infrastructure stormwater drainage failures, leaking sewer connections, and pump station malfunctions emerged as the likely cause.

Competitive Analysis

Worst performer: New Brighton Beach, with repeated extreme spikes over three years.
Intermittent issues: Humewood Beach, showing episodic contamination linked to infrastructure failures.
Best performers: Maitland, St Georges, Kings, and Hobbie Beaches, consistently safe.
Moderate risk: Bluewater Bay, occasional contamination but generally stable.

Aspects of the Study

Positive Aspects

Clear identification of safe beaches.
Evidence-based confirmation of infrastructure-related contamination.

Negative Aspects

Persistent contamination at New Brighton and Humewood.
Infrastructure failures remain unresolved.

Risks

Gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and eye/ear irritations.
Vulnerable groups (children, elderly, immunocompromised) at higher risk.

Recommendations

Strengthen pollution source identification and control
Enhance monitoring and rapid response systems
Improve Blue Flag readiness

Conclusion

The study highlights a dual reality: while several beaches in Nelson Mandela Bay remain pristine, others face chronic contamination linked to failing infrastructure. Addressing these issues is vital; not only for public health but also for tourism and community trust.