Beach closure in Algarve due to pollution
Contamination at Faro District Beaches: Swimming Ban Remains in Effect
A swimming ban has been enforced at Praia da Alagoa-Altura and Praia Verde in Castro Marim, Faro district, following the discovery of microbiological contamination in the bathing water. The contamination was traced back to sewage pumping from the EE DE FONTE SANTA station in Vila Nova De Cacela, which occurred between July 27 and 31, 2025 [2].
On August 5, 2025, authorities imposed a ban on bathing at these beaches as a preventative health measure, after analysis revealed contamination levels exceeding safety limits [1][2]. The Faro district municipality and related health authorities coordinated efforts to identify the contamination source, though initially no evidence was found within municipal jurisdiction aside from the pumping station incident [1][2].
As of the latest update on August 6, 2025, a second water quality analysis showed that the pollution source no longer exists and contamination levels have returned within safe limits [3][5]. Consequently, the swimming ban was lifted. However, the official statement confirmed that the precise causes remain under investigation, with evidence pointing to the temporary sewage discharge event as the main suspected source [3].
The Algarve municipality, in conjunction with official entities, is continuing to investigate possible sources of the contamination within its jurisdiction. No new evidence of the source of the possible contamination has been found so far [1][2]. The State Health Department has ordered the ban on swimming as a preventative measure, which remains in effect until new results are available [1].
The Algarve municipality expresses regret for any inconvenience caused by the swimming ban and is hopeful for the restoration of water safety and quality. The city hall is working with official entities to investigate and identify the source of the contamination. A red flag remains on the affected beaches as a reminder of the ongoing potential health risk to swimmers.
The State Environmental Agency (APA) communicated this information to the municipality at 12 p.m. [1]. A new analysis has been conducted on the affected bathing water, and if it shows a change in the water quality parameters, the swimming ban may be lifted.
The Algarve municipality encourages residents and visitors to stay informed about the situation and follow any updates or guidelines issued by the authorities. The municipality is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its community and visitors.
References:
- Faro Correio da Manhã, August 6, 2025, "Bathing ban lifted at Algarve beaches"
- Faro Correio da Manhã, August 5, 2025, "Sewage pumping causes beach contamination"
- Faro Correio da Manhã, August 6, 2025, "Investigation into beach contamination continues"
- Faro Correio da Manhã, August 5, 2025, "Health Department orders swimming ban at affected beaches"
- Faro Correio da Manhã, August 6, 2025, "Second water quality analysis confirms beach contamination subsided"
- Despite the recent lift of the swimming ban, ongoing investigations by the Algarve municipality and related entities are focusing on the origin of the contamination in the environmental-science sector, to prevent similar health-and-wellness threats in the future.
- As part of their holistic approach to wellness, some health-and-wellness centers in the Algarve offer therapies-and-treatments and stress the importance of maintaining a clean environment, as the case at Faro District beaches indicates.
