Analysis deems parts of Istanbul's Kad?köy district risky to swim in

It is unhealthy and risky to swim in some places of the Marmara Sea off of Istanbul?s Kad?köy district due to pollution caused by a local creek, according to measurements conducted by the municipality.

The Kurba?al?dere creek in Kad?köy, on which rehabilitation works have been conducted for the past three years, has continued to be a source of pollution to the residents of Istanbul who wish to swim off the coasts of the district. 

Four out of seven samples collected from different spots of the Marmara Sea within the boundaries of Kad?köy have proven to contain very high levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which is a threat to human health, according to recent testing conducted by the municipality. 

While the limit of E. coli present for individuals to swim safely without a threat to their health is 200 units, this figure was shown to be as much as 6,900 units in the sea off of Yo?urtçu Park. The figure was 6,500 units around the marina in Kalam??, 410 units at the Moda Sea Club and 390 units at the Fenerbahçe foreland. 

Further analysis has also shown the Marmara Sea contained a group of bacteria which should not be inside sea water and can cause intestinal infections in humans. 

While resident around Kurba?al?dere creek wait for the municipality?s rehabilitation project to be completed, they face the threat of having their houses flooded with polluted water during heavy rains. There has been a strong, unpleasant smell found around the creek, and flies have been seen in excess near the creek due to the high level of pollution. 

Kad?köy Mayor Aykurt Nuho?lu said they were repeating their call to citizens not to swim in the Marmara Sea, just like they did last year, as nothing has changed since.