Malaga beaches closed due to E. coli detection

Six beaches in Malaga, Spain, were closed over the weekend after E. coli bacteria was detected in the seawater, making them unsafe for swimming. The affected areas include Campo de Golf-San Julian, Guadalmarm, La Misericordia, Sacaba, San Andres, and El Palo.

Local officials, including counselor Penélope Gómez, attributed the pollution to recent heavy storms. The city’s combined sewage system, which carries both rainwater and wastewater through the same pipes, can overflow into the sea during intense rainfall to prevent urban flooding.

Authorities noted that the situation is exacerbated by the disposal of wet wipes in toilets, which causes blockages in the sewage system. Malaga removes approximately 2,300 tons of wet wipes from its pipes annually at a cost of about 2 million euros. Cleaning operations have been initiated to clear debris from the beaches.