A swimming ban is in place at Faro beach after “abnormally high” E. coli levels were detected during routine water tests.
The samples were collected on Monday, but the results were only known this morning, showing a high amount of faecal bacteria (Escherichia coli commonly known as E. Coli). A red flag was raised immediately preventing beachgoers from going in the sea, while the coveted Blue Flag, which awards beaches based on the quality of their water, was temporarily removed.
“The recommendation was made by the regional health delegate,” Faro port captain Nuno Cortes Lopes told Barlavento newspaper.
He explained that this is a “highly unusual” situation which he had never witnessed at the beach.
“This may have happened due to the discharge from a boat,” he explained. “This is not normal and I don’t remember anything like this.”
New samples were collected today but the results will only be known tomorrow.
“We hope that bathers will soon be able to go swimming, but until results are known, the red flag will remain in place,” he said.
Photo: BARLAVENTO
