Valencia coastal areas face water contamination and beach closures

Authorities in the Valencia region of Spain have taken action to address water quality issues affecting coastal areas. In Orihuela, the La Glea and Aguamarina beaches in the Campoamor area have been closed to bathing. This decision follows water quality analyses from August 24 that showed contamination levels significantly exceeding legal limits, potentially doubling the permitted thresholds. Officials suspect a sewage-related discharge, though the exact source has not yet been identified. Investigations are ongoing by the Department of the Coast and the General Directorate of Water.

In a separate environmental concern, residents near the Saler beach and the Albufera natural park have raised alarms regarding discharges from the Albufera lake. Local neighborhood associations report that the opening of floodgates results in green and brown water reaching the shore, which they describe as “poisoning the sea.” While recent laboratory tests suggest the water may not be harmful to health, residents are calling for improved water purification from rice cultivation areas and a change in the timing of floodgate operations to avoid peak bathing hours.