High levels of E-coli found in Victoria waterway where ducks and geese died

High levels of E. coli bacterium were found in a waterway where dozens of dead birds were discovered last year – and where ducks continue to swim.

Tests carried out by the National Veterinary Laboratory in October last year found the waters were positive for Escherichia coli contamination.

The waterway, in Wied ta’ Żejta, next to Triq is-Sellem, on the outskirts of Victoria, was investigated after visitors found dead ducks and geese in the area. 

Over a year later, photos sent to Times of Malta show the pond remains littered with plastic bottles, paint lids and debris. Ducks continue to swim in the polluted water.

Replying to questions, a Gozo Ministry spokesperson said the tests conducted on October 9 and 15, 2024 confirmed high levels of Escherichia coli.

While E.coil is commonly linked to untreated sewage, the Gozo Ministry said no sewage contamination was detected in the area. The spokesperson also said the tests did not clarify whether E.coil was the cause of the birds’ death, as the decomposed carcasses may have influenced the results.

“This could interfere with the results as this bacterium is usually released from decomposing matter,” the spokesperson said. “Additionally, the site is open and exposed to environmental elements, which may influence microbial levels. However, the analysis did not indicate any contamination with sewage.”

Ducks swim in the filthy water in this video taken last month.

Asked whether the area had been cleaned, the spokesperson said Public Cleansing employees attended the area two weeks ago and said some materials still needed to be removed. They said some areas are inaccessible from land.

“The Maintenance and Public Cleansing Section will ensure regular removal of litter from this watercourse. However, a major rehabilitation and restoration of the valley is challenging because the valley never dries out,” the ministry said.