# Water quality monitoring in Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/water-quality-monitoring-in-brazil
> Updated: 2026-10-03T12:11:59.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Water quality monitoring in Brazil has revealed varying conditions for bathing across different regions. In Salvador, Bahia, the Institute of Environment and Water Resources (Inema) previously advised against bathing at 24 of 38 monitored locations. Recent reports from Inema indicate that contamination persists, with 30 points along the Salvador coastline now identified as unfit for bathing. These affected locations include Porto da Barra, Itapuã, Farol da Barra, Rio Vermelho, and Piatã.

In the Litoral Norte region, Bulletin No. 32/2026 identified the Buraquinho and Busca Vida areas as ‘imprópria’ (unsuitable) due to contamination, while Ipitanga and Vilas do Atlântico remained ‘própria’ (suitable).

Contamination issues have also been reported in Alagoas. The Institute of the Environment (IMA/AL) reported that eight out of 68 analyzed beach sections are unfit for swimming. This includes five sections in Maceió—specifically at Pajuçara, Ponta Verde, and Jatiúca—and three sections in Maragogi on the North Coast.

Authorities continue to caution against entering water with suspicious discoloration or near sewage outlets, river mouths, canals, streams, or areas experiencing algae blooms, even in sections classified as safe.

Conversely, in São Paulo, Sabino Municipal Beach was cleared for bathing after 245 days of restrictions following a pilot program using 14 ultrasound-emitting buoys to combat algae, which reduced microcystin toxin levels by over 91%.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-03: Coastal water contamination reported in Alagoas and Bahia

Environmental agencies report widespread water contamination in Brazil, with eight beach sections unfit for swimming in Alagoas and 30 points in Salvador, Bahia, deemed unsafe for bathing.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/coastal-water-contamination-reported-in-alagoas-and-bahia

### 2026-10-03: Litoral Norte: Unsuitable beaches identified in water quality report

Water quality reports for Litoral Norte indicate that Buraquinho and Busca Vida beaches are currently unsuitable for bathing due to contamination, while other local beaches remain safe.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/litoral-norte-unsuitable-beaches-identified-in-water-quality-report

### 2026-09-24: Water quality reports show mixed bathing conditions in Brazil

Water quality reports in Brazil show 24 beaches in Salvador unsuitable for bathing, while Sabino beach in São Paulo has been cleared for use following successful ultrasound-based algae treatment.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-quality-reports-show-mixed-bathing-conditions-in-brazil

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Cite as: Water quality monitoring in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/water-quality-monitoring-in-brazil