Presence of E.coli bacteria in water “at levels higher than suitable for bathing”, made Zambujeira do Mar beach off-limits to bathing.
Zambujeira do Mar beach, county of Odemira (Beja), was banned from bathing this Friday after the presence of the coliform bacteria Escherichia coli was detected (E. coli) in the water, revealed the Captaincy of the Port of Sines.
Speaking to Lusa agency, Commander of the Captaincy of the Port of Sines, Rui Filipe, advanced that the “red flag was hoisted”, this morning, by lifeguards, to prevent bathing on that beach.
“As a result of sample collection, which are made regularly by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) in bathing water, the presence of the [bacterium] E.coli in the water, at levels higher than suitable for bathing”, revealed.
According to Rui Filipe, the result of the samples was transmitted to the maritime authority, on thursday night, pela WHAT, what “launched the warning against bathing on that beach”.
“This morning, before 08:00, Signs were placed to alert to the situation at the entrance to the beach and instructions were given for the red flag to be hoisted”, forward.
According to Rui Filipe, has already been performed “a second collection” of samples to the water of that bathing area, whose results only “will be avaliable” Saturday.
“According to the results of the analyzes, we will carry out the assessment and make the decision to withdraw or maintain” the ban on baths, he added.
Until restrictions are lifted, the bathers “can stay on the beach, but the baths” are not advised.
“There was no need to remove bathers from the water, because the information was already available before the beach opened and lifeguards were instructed to advise against bathing”, He explained.
The Commander of the Captaincy of the Port of Sines also indicated that the origin of the contamination by the concentration of fecal coliforms “is unknown” and that it was necessary “lower the blue flag” until the situation is settled.
News: Lidador NotÃcias / DN / Lusa
